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Inside the Gaza bunker where Yayha Sinwar hid – Firstpost

Matte Jr
Inside the Gaza bunker where Yayha Sinwar hid – Firstpost

Following the death of Yahya Sinwar, the former leader of Hamas widely known as the mastermind of the October 7 attack on Israel, new revelations have emerged about his life in hiding.

It turned out that Sinwar, who led Hamas operations in Gaza, lived in a bunker in Khan Younis, Gaza, which contained a number of provisions and luxuries that contrasted sharply with the appalling conditions of civilians above ground.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) discovered the bunker, shedding light on how Sinwar survived while directing Hamas’ actions in the ongoing conflict.

What items were found in Sinwar’s bunker?

The Sinwar bunker, initially discovered in February, offered a glimpse into how the Hamas chief lived while Israeli forces pursued him. According to images released by the IDF, the bunker was stocked with food, supplies and luxuries that allowed Sinwar to endure the harsh conditions of the war outside.

The IDF found a fully functional kitchen filled with food rations, including supplies from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This sparked new accusations that Hamas was intercepting humanitarian aid destined for the people of Gaza.

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In addition to food supplies, the bunker had several bathrooms and showers, notably cleaner and more modern than those typically found in Hamas’ extensive network of tunnels. The soldier who toured the bunker noted that Sinwar had access to a personal shower, a rare luxury in the war-torn region.

Sinwar’s living quarters were also stocked with hygiene products, including several bottles of cologne and tonics, highlighting the stark difference between his lifestyle and that of ordinary Gazans suffering under siege.

Did the IDF find any information in the bunker?

In addition to basic amenities, the bunker contained a significant cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives, indicating that Sinwar had prepared for an extended stay. His personal quarters included lockers with weapons, while a large safe next to his bed held “millions” of shekels in cash.

“He lives here well, with all his millions, while the civilians above ground live in poverty and die of hunger,” commented an IDF soldier in one of the videos.

The discovery of such a large sum of money further highlighted allegations of corruption within the Hamas leadership.

Over the years, Sinwar and other Hamas leaders have faced criticism for accumulating wealth and living in luxury while ordinary Palestinians suffer from poverty and the ongoing blockade.

Why did Sinwar escape from his bunker?

Despite the bunker’s advanced configuration, Sinwar was forced to flee as the IDF intensified its operations in Khan Younis. Israeli military officials believe that Sinwar initially directed Hamas forces from this bunker in the first half of the war. However, as Israeli forces approached, Sinwar escaped further south to Rafah, where he remained in hiding.

Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, confirmed that Sinwar was found in a second tunnel complex in Rafah built specifically for Hamas VIPs. “The complex had everything he needed: television, food, sofas, beds, means of communication and control,” said Hagari.

In Rafah, IDF forces tracked Sinwar’s movements through intelligence and DNA samples. A tissue containing Sinwar’s DNA was found in one of the tunnels, helping the IDF pinpoint his location.

Ultimately, he was killed on October 16 during an Israeli military operation. Sinwar was one of three armed men spotted by Israeli soldiers from the Bislamach Brigade, but his identity was only confirmed later through further investigation.

How did Sinwar use civilians to hide in Gaza?

IDF officials were quick to highlight the disparity between Sinwar’s lifestyle and the hardships faced by the people of Gaza. Sinwar, who came to power after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, became one of Israel’s main targets after orchestrating the October 7 attack.

IDF footage showed Sinwar and his family fleeing into tunnels beneath Gaza on the eve of the attack, bags of food, water and personal supplies in hand.

His wife reportedly carried a Birkin bag valued at $32,000, an item that drew further criticism of the Hamas leadership’s lavish lifestyle in contrast to the suffering of ordinary Gazans.

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

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Sinwar’s final months were spent in hiding as Israeli forces pursued him relentlessly.

With contributions from agencies

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