The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that they had discovered and demolished a hideout apartment belonging to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in northern Gaza. The operation, carried out by the 14th Reserve Armored Brigade, also uncovered a significant tunnel system beneath the apartment.
The IDF has been actively pursuing Sinwar for weeks, asserting that he is the target. Despite these efforts, Sinwar has managed to evade capture, preventing Israel from achieving the desired operational victory during the ongoing conflict that began three months ago. The hideout’s location on the outskirts of Gaza City was thoroughly examined by the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported discovering compelling evidence in the apartment, supporting their conclusion that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had been using it as a hideout. The investigation revealed a tunnel shaft that extended approximately 20 meters deep. Furthermore, the shaft led to an extensive tunnel system measuring 218 meters in length, featuring several branches. This finding adds to the ongoing efforts by the IDF to track and neutralize Sinwar, although his elusive evasion has persisted despite these operations. The uncovering of such tunnels underscores the complex and clandestine infrastructure employed by militant groups in the region. a hideout apartment
The underground passages featured electricity, air filtration systems, plumbing, resting and prayer rooms, and other equipment aimed at allowing senior Hamas members to remain hidden for long periods.
The tunnel was later destroyed by combat engineers, the IDF said.
On Monday, Sinwar issued his first public statement since October 7, expressing defiance while grossly inflating his terror group’s achievements in the war.