Sat Jan 25 12:08:00 UTC 2025: ## Al Jazeera Releases Unseen Footage of Deceased Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar During 2023 Gaza Conflict
**GAZA CITY, January 24, 2025** – Al Jazeera has released previously unseen footage of Yahya Sinwar, the deceased leader of Hamas, directing military operations during the October 2023 conflict. The footage, aired three months after Israel reported Sinwar’s death during an operation in Gaza, shows Sinwar on the battlefield in the Rafah area. He is seen wearing military attire, using a stick, and partially covered by a blanket amidst the devastation of war. One scene depicts Sinwar reviewing a map with another individual. Al Jazeera also reportedly showed a visual of the order Sinwar signed initiating the October 7th attacks.
The network’s report includes a scene showing graffiti of the Hebrew word for “north” on a building Sinwar briefly occupied, suggesting prior Israeli reconnaissance of the location. This footage contradicts earlier Israeli claims, and contrasts sharply with the footage released by Israel showing Sinwar’s final moments. Israel’s footage depicted a weakened Sinwar throwing an object at a drone before his death, an image contrasting the command role shown in the Al Jazeera footage.
Sinwar, who rose through the ranks of Hamas, was killed on October 18, 2023, hours after being spotted moving belongings in a Gaza tunnel. Israel accused him of masterminding the October 7th attacks, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of hundreds of civilians and soldiers. The attacks sparked a major conflict, resulting in a high death toll on both sides, with Hamas claiming over 47,000 Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli operations.
The release of this footage comes amidst a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which includes a prisoner exchange. The newly released footage is sure to reignite debate surrounding the conflict and Sinwar’s role in the events of October 2023.
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