Israeli Forces Nearly Apprehend Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Found Concealed in Tunnel, but…
Israel Pursues Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli forces are actively tracking Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who has managed to evade capture twice in recent days, according to reports from Israeli media. Sinwar is believed to be hiding in tunnels beneath Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis. The ongoing intense fighting in the city has led Israeli forces to breach some of the underground structures in their pursuit of Sinwar and other Hamas leaders.
Sinwar is implicated in orchestrating Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,140 casualties, mostly civilians. The attack also involved the capture of around 250 hostages, with some released and others killed.
Despite Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza and ground troop operations, Sinwar reportedly escaped just before Israeli forces reached the tunnel. Intelligence from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicates that Sinwar is constantly on the move, avoiding prolonged stays in one location.
Ceasefire Discussions Amid Escalating Tensions
Qatar-based Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh traveled to Egypt for discussions on the “aggression in the Gaza Strip and other matters,” according to Hamas. Haniyeh was scheduled to meet with Egypt’s spy chief to explore avenues for halting the aggression and negotiating a peace agreement for the release of prisoners. Earlier, Haniyeh met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed hostage families that he had sent his spy chief to Europe twice in efforts to secure the release of hostages. Netanyahu emphasized his responsibility for the release of all hostages, addressing the relatives of the 129 captives believed to be still held in Gaza.