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IDF shows video of Sinwar and his family on the run the night before October 7, saying Hamas leader was in hiding for most of the year

IDF shows video of Sinwar and his family on the run the night before October 7, saying Hamas leader was in hiding for most of the year

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in a tunnel on October 6, 2023. (Photo: Screenshot)

The IDF released video footage on Saturday evening showing former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar escaping through a complex of tunnels beneath his residence in Khan Younis on October 6, 2023, hours before Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel and killed 1,200 men, women and Children brutally murdered.

The IDF released the video to counter statements made by some Hamas supporters on social media that Sinwar died a hero fighting the IDF in Gaza.

“This is footage of Sinwar, just hours before the October 7 massacre, where Sinwar hid his family and equipment – including beds, pillows, food and water, as well as a television – he hid them in Hamas’ underground tunnel network,” said IDF spokesman Brigadier General. Daniel Hagari.

“This was a luxury that the people of Gaza did not have – as Sinwar always put himself, his money and the Hamas terrorists above the people of Gaza.”




In the video, Sinwar’s wife, Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar, can be seen holding what appears to be an exclusive handbag from the French luxury brand Hermès. The bag, priced at $32,000, stands in stark contrast to the hardships many Palestinians in Gaza faced before the war began.

Arab IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee questioned the stark contrast between the wealth of Hamas leaders and the conditions faced by many impoverished Palestinians in Gaza.

“Did Sinwar’s wife go into the tunnel with him on October 6th carrying a Birkin bag estimated to cost around $32,000?! I’ll leave the comment to you,” Adraee wrote. “While the people of Gaza do not have enough money for a tent or basic necessities, we see many examples of Yahya Sinwar and his wife’s special love for money…”



In addition to the video, the IDF also released images of the underground tunnel area where Sinwar and his family hid in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood of Khan Younis shortly before the IDF launched a ground attack in December. The tunnel site was well stocked with furniture, food, water and other supplies sufficient for a stay of several months.

Hagari said the video and images show that Hamas does not care about its civilians.

“What we showed tonight proves once again that the leaders of the terrorist organization Hamas, whoever they are, do not care about the price that the people of Gaza pay. They just use them as human shields and are only concerned with their own survival,” Hagari said.

Hagari also rejected attempts to portray Sinwar as a hero.

“After his elimination, there are those who want to restore his honor,” Hagari explained. “But Sinwar lived and behaved like a wanted terrorist on the run. And that’s how he ended his life.”

“As we can see, Sinwar’s primary concern throughout was himself and his own survival.”

“An example of this is the cash he carried with him everywhere.”

Sinwar was found with several passports, a UNRWA teacher’s card and about NIS 40,000 (US$11,000) in cash.