Former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed last week in an Israeli military operation in southern Gaza, was captured on CCTV moving through a tunnel with his wife and children just hours before the deadly October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. The footage showed Sinwar carrying various items, including pillows, mattresses, a television, and bags, inside the tunnel located beneath their family home in Khan Younis.
Claims of Luxury Amidst Hardship
Israeli authorities highlighted that Sinwar’s wife was seen carrying a Hermes Birkin bag, which they claim is valued at $32,000. Israel stated, “Yahya Sinwar’s wife was caught sneaking to the tunnels the night before the October 7 attack,” emphasizing the luxurious lifestyle Sinwar and his family led while ordinary Gazans faced severe hardships.
Israel further criticized the couple’s situation, asserting, “While Gazans endured hardship under Hamas, Sinwar and his family were shamelessly living in luxury, indulging while sending others to die.” They released a screengrab from the video showing Sinwar’s wife with the expensive bag, which they claim resembles the Hermes Birkin 40 Black Togo Gold Hardware edition.
Details of Sinwar’s Death
The footage surfaced following Sinwar’s death in Rafah during an armored infantry assault conducted by Israel’s 828th Brigade, which reported executing “intelligence-based targeted raids and operations.” Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari shared images of the underground compound, revealing amenities such as toilets, showers, and a kitchen, along with food, cash, and important documents.
Hamas refuted Israel’s portrayal of events, claiming that Sinwar died heroically in battle and labeling Hagari’s statements as “blatant lies.” Drone footage from earlier this week depicted Sinwar in critical condition, throwing an object at the drone before succumbing to a gunshot wound to the head, with an autopsy revealing that one of his fingers had been severed.
Hunt for Sinwar
Yahya Sinwar was recognized as the architect of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals and sparked a year-long Israeli military operation in Gaza, leading to significant casualties, including over 40,000 deaths, many of whom were children.