The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on October 17 confirmed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during operations in Rafah, Gaza. Sinwar, widely regarded as the mastermind behind the October 7 massacre in Israel, was killed alongside two others in a targeted operation.

According to IDF sources, the operation was conducted with precision, targeting a building where the terrorists were located. The military emphasised that there were no indications of hostages present in the area. "The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution," the IDF stated.

 "The volunteer dentists of the police identification division identified Sinwar's body thanks to photos from the area. The identification procedure by comparing teeth is a quick and accurate procedure that was used more than once throughout the war and since October 7," the Israeli Police stated. Still, the Shin Bet refused to give definite confirmation of Sinwar's death, stating that the body that was located still needs to be examined further for verification.

Earlier in the afternoon, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant took to X to post a quote from the Hebrew biblical book of Leviticus, stating: "You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you."

The elimination of Sinwar, if verified, marks a significant development in Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, with the Hamas leadership role vacant yet again. His predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran on July 31.