Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s wife seen with Hermès Birkin bag worth Rs 27 lakh in IDF footage sparks outrage amid Gaza crisis

A recently released video by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) featuring former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his family has caught the attention of many online for a surprising reason.

The footage shows Sinwar and his family fleeing into a tunnel under their home in Khan Younis, just hours before Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel on October 7.

What sparked widespread discussion was the sight of Sinwar’s wife, Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar, holding a Hermès Birkin bag valued at US$32,000 (approximately Rs 27 lakh), highlighting a stark contrast to the struggles faced by ordinary people in Gaza who they are trying to guarantee basic needs.

The Birkin bag, launched in 1984 by French luxury brand Hermès, is known for its high cost and exclusivity, making it a significant status symbol among the wealthy.

IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the disparity between the Sinwar family’s lavish lifestyle and the hardships experienced by the majority in Gaza. “Although the people of Gaza lack funds for basic needs, we see many examples of Yahya Sinwar and his wife’s affinity for wealth,” Adraee wrote.

The outrage stems from criticism of Hamas leaders like Sinwar, who are accused of living in luxury while ordinary Gazans face daily challenges.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment in While the people of Gaza suffered under the rule of Hamas, Sinwar and his family lived in luxury, surrendering themselves while sending others to die.”

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, another IDF spokesman, highlighted the importance of the video, saying: “Even on the eve of the brutal massacre, Sinwar was focused on the survival of his family.” He emphasized that Sinwar prioritized himself and his family when orchestrating the attack that targeted Israeli civilians.

Sinwar and Hamas

Born on October 29, 1962, Yahya Sinwar was a prominent figure in Hamas, which rose to power following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in July, allegedly carried out by Israel in Tehran. Sinwar took over as head of Hamas after Haniyeh’s death and led the organization until his recent death.

On October 16, Israeli forces killed Sinwar in Rafah, in southern Gaza, a fact later confirmed by Hamas. Sinwar was seen as the mastermind of the October 7 attack, which worsened the ongoing conflict in the region. His death marks a significant turning point in the struggle between Israel and Hamas.

Sinwar married Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar in November 2011, when she was 18 years his junior. Since the release of the IDF images, his wife has become a focal point in media discussions.

Luxuries amid difficulties

This footage renewed attention on economic disparities in Gaza. While the majority of the population struggles to meet basic needs, Hamas leaders and their families have often been accused of enjoying lavish lifestyles. Samar’s Birkin bag fueled conversations on social media, highlighting the contrast between the wealth of Hamas leaders and the dire conditions faced by Gaza residents.

The IDF continues to use these images to criticize Hamas governance and draw attention to the leadership’s extravagant lifestyle.