Autopsy confirms Yahya Sinwar killed by gunshot, death of Hamas leader intensifies Gaza conflict

He said Sinwar’s body was received with a severed finger, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) removed for DNA analysis. Kugel expressed full confidence in the identification of the body and cause of death, and also cited additional injuries, including from a tank shell.

The IDF released footage of a tank firing at the building where Sinwar’s body was discovered, indicating he was killed during an intelligence-led ground attack in southern Gaza by the IDF’s 828 Brigade, operating in the Tel al-Sultan area of ​​Rafah.

In videos shared by the IDF, two soldiers were seen standing next to a body they claimed was Sinwar’s, with one finger missing. However, CNN’s analysis showed earlier images of Sinwar with all five fingers intact.

Sinwar was considered a key architect of the October 7 attacks on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, mostly among civilians. After a year-long manhunt, he was killed on October 16 and his death was announced the next day.

Footage taken shortly before his death shows Sinwar in a damaged apartment, injured and trying to fight back against an approaching drone.

A Hamas statement commemorated him as a hero, saying his death would only strengthen the movement’s resolve and that it would not give in to the terms of a ceasefire with Israel.