Yahya Sinwar Dead: Mastermind Behind Hamas’s October 7 Attack and ‘Butcher of Khan Younis

Yahya Sinwar Dead: Mastermind Behind Hamas’s October 7 Attack and ‘Butcher of Khan Younis

The mastermind of the October 7 Hamas onslaught that murdered over 1,200 Israelis and abducted 250 captives, Yahya Sinwar, was assassinated Thursday in Gaza. After the massacre, Sinwar became a high-value target for Israel, becoming known as “one of the world’s most wanted terrorists.”

His residency as the head of Hamas’ inward security division, when he was known as the “Butcher of Khan Younis” for his support in addressing, torturing, and executing thought Palestinian witnesses and the people who resisted Hamas’ tough Islamic norms, is where Sinwar’s fierce inheritance started. His contribution in the killing of two Israeli soldiers procured him over 20 years in Israeli jail before he was delivered as a feature of the 2011 Gilad Shalit detainee trade understanding, which is one more justification for his reputation.

Global Reaction to Sinwar’s Death

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz blamed Sinwar for the October 7 atrocities and called him a “mass murderer.” As a first step toward a possible ceasefire and a settlement for the release of hostages in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden referred to Sinwar’s passing as a “good day” for the world.

Rise Through Hamas Ranks

During his 23 years in Israeli prison, Sinwar learned to speak Hebrew fluently and developed a thorough understanding of Israeli politics and internal affairs. After being freed in 2011 as part of the Gilad Shalit trade, he rose up the Hamas hierarchy quite fast. In 2012, Sinwar was elected to the group’s political bureau, where he was instrumental in cooperating with the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military arm.

His situation inside the gathering was solidified after Sinwar’s impact was clarified during Israel’s seven-week hostile in Gaza in 2014. His administrative role was additionally cemented in 2017 when he took over as Hamas’ Gaza head, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh.

‘The Big Project’: Planning the October 7 Attack

Before the October 7 incident, Sinwar had been preparing a massive attack against Israel for more than a year. Early in 2022, Hamas started planning a cross-border attack that would target both civilian and military targets. In letters to Iranian leaders, including the head of Iran’s Quds Force, Sinwar asked for military and financial assistance to strengthen Hamas’ capabilities for what was known as “the big project.” According to papers that U.S. media outlets were able to access, Sinwar made these requests and underlined the necessity of reviving Hamas and expanding its capabilities.

Although early attempts to strike Israel’s Azrieli Towers in the manner of 9/11 were judged unrealistic, Hamas persisted in honing its plot. The attack was finally carried out on October 7, 2023, after the group was prepared to do so by September 2022.

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Hamas Targets and Israel’s Response

Israeli forces have been targeting Hamas leaders, including Sinwar’s colleagues and senior commanders, methodically since the tragedy. Israel was also watching important individuals like Rafa’a Salameh, the head of the Khan Younis Brigade, and Muhammad Deif, the head of the military wing. Drone operations in Iran and Beirut earlier this year killed Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Saleh al-Arouri, respectively.

Until he was eliminated, Yahya Sinwar was still a top target.