Did Sinwar die in an airstrike? IDF refuses to confirm or deny Israeli reports

Israeli public broadcaster Kan was the first outlet to report that the terror chief may have been killed or injured while hiding underground in Gaza’s tunnel network.

Since then, Haaretz, Maariv and the Walla news sites have all reported that the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate was investigating the possibility.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar holds the child of an Al-Qassam Brigades fighter. Sinwar has been on the run since October 7 and has not been found despite Israeli and American intelligence efforts (Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

The Shin Bet agency was said to believe Sinwar is alive, according to the Walla news site.

Walla columnist Ben Caspit suggested sources close to the matter were skeptical of the death rumours, since this is not the first time Sinwar has gone off the radar for extended periods of time since October 7.

He quoted sources saying: “There have also been times in the past when he disappeared and we thought he was dead, but then he reappeared.”

Axios journalist Barak Ravid also voiced doubt about the rumours, writing on X/Twitter: “Two Israeli officials with direct knowledge told me Israel doesn't have positive intelligence that suggests Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is dead.”

He quoted an Israeli official saying: "It is all hopes and guesses which are based on the fact the Sinwar has been incommunicado in recent weeks.”