Israel’s military announced on Thursday, October 17th, that it is investigating whether Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza, Middle East Eye reports on October 17th. Meanwhile, Israeli broadcasters KAN and N12 News, citing official sources, reported that the death of the Palestinian leader had been confirmed.

Yahya Sinwar, Israel’s most wanted man, is widely believed to have masterminded the October 7th, 2023, assault on southern Israel. Sinwar rose to prominence within Hamas after the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh in an Israeli strike in Tehran on July 31. He has since become the group’s top figure.

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The Israeli army announced that three militants were killed during operations in Gaza on Thursday, October 17th, noting that the military, in coordination with the Shin Bet security service, is “examining the possibility” that one of the individuals was Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

At this stage, the identities of the militants cannot be confirmed,

-the army added.

Middle East Eye and agencies