Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has not been heard from for long time, and Israel is looking into the unlikely idea that he might be dead, several Hebrew media reports suggest. However, there is no solid evidence to support this speculation. Sources from Israeli intelligence indicate that Sinwar could have been killed in recent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strikes in Gaza. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm this claim, while the Shin Bet security agency believes he is still alive.
Sinwar has been elusive, reportedly hiding in tunnels beneath Gaza since Hamas's October 7 attack. He has previously gone silent only to later emerge to communicate on negotiations regarding hostages or ceasefires.
Security officials have stated that the idea of Sinwar's death is purely speculative and lacks a factual basis. Recent Israeli airstrikes targeted tunnels where he was believed to be hiding, but there is no concrete evidence that he was affected, leading some to suggest he may be deliberately maintaining a low profile. The military has commented that they have no information to confirm or deny his status.
Since the October 7 massacre, attributed to Sinwar's planning, Israel has successfully targeted several key Hamas figures, including Muhammad Deif, the military wing chief, and Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy chief, in separate air and drone strikes.
Sinwar and his brother Muhammad remain primary targets, with efforts to locate them ongoing but so far unsuccessful. Reports have highlighted the intricate and secretive communication methods Sinwar is believed to be using to send messages from his hideouts.
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