Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli troops on October 17, 2024. Sinwar was known as the chief leader in the October 7, 2023, attacks, leaving him the country’s most wanted man.

The Hamas attacks killed approximately 1,200 people, with an additional 251 being taken hostage. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has killed approximately 42,500 Palestinians according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israel offensive was launched after the Hamas attacks.

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed the death of Sinwar through a ‘chance encounter,’ after a year of searching for the leader. It is believed the Hamas leader had spent the majority of the past year hiding beneath the ground in Gaza. Many other chief Hamas figures have been killed following the October 2023 attacks by Israeli forces.

Sinwar, also known as Abu Ibrahim, has knowingly been an active Hamas member since 1989 when he first established the group’s internal security organization. Sinwar had been arrested in the past, leaving him in solitary confinement from 1988 to 2011.

Mass celebrations were shown by people in Israel in support of Sinwar’s killing. Several hundred people were seen dancing and waving flags in northern Israel. There are still hostages being held by Hamas after the killing, representing concern for the continuation of the conflict.