IDF Commanders Recount Accidental Killing of Hamas Leader Sinwar

Three Israeli commanders have recounted the accidental encounter that led to the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, two years after the October 7th massacre he planned. The operation, which took place in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, was not based on prior intelligence about Sinwar's whereabouts. Soldiers initially mistook the terrorist, who threw a grenade and attempted to attack a drone with a stick, for a regular operative. It was only the following day, when commanders examined a photograph of the deceased, that they realized they had eliminated the IDF's most wanted figure in Gaza.

The commanders involved were Major Y, then commander of a training company in the Kfir Brigade; Major M, then deputy commander of the 450th Battalion; and Captain (Res.) A, then a company commander in the Paratroopers Battalion. On October 16, 2024, forces identified a suspicious figure moving between buildings. Despite initial doubts, soldiers insisted they had seen a terrorist, and shoe prints, nicknamed 'Citroen' due to their sole pattern, were discovered. Major M followed the tracks and encountered three terrorists, later identified as part of a four-man cell.

During an exchange of fire, Major Y and his liaison officer were targeted with four grenades. Tanks fired on the building, and one soldier was wounded and evacuated. Captain (Res.) A and his unit entered a nearby building for cover. While advancing, he noticed a fresh bloodstain, and shortly after, a grenade was thrown from above, which he later realized was thrown by Sinwar. A drone sent into the building then spotted a figure attempting to strike it with a stick, identified as Sinwar in his final moments. Tanks then fired on the structure, killing him.

The following day, October 17th, a drone captured an image of the eliminated terrorist. When shown the photo, commanders jokingly suggested it resembled Sinwar, a realization that shocked them. Some commanders entered the structure to confirm the identity, recognizing distinctive features. Major M stated, "I wanted to go in, look him in the eyes and make sure it was him." The elimination was confirmed by security officials, leading to celebrations among the troops, though they were reminded that other terrorists remained in the area.

On October 18th, two more suspects were identified and engaged. One, later identified as the commander of Hamas's Tal al-Sultan battalion, was killed. The fourth terrorist was located and eliminated the next day, with his shoes matching the original 'Citroen' prints. For Major Y, the operation held personal significance, as he informed the father of his friend, Noam Lial Ephraim, who was murdered at the Nova music festival, that "the circle is complete." He also remembered fallen comrade Major Hod Shraibman. The commanders emphasized that the success was due to soldiers' persistence and adherence to mission, not just luck.