Gaza Strip - October 19, 2024

In a significant military development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released additional footage detailing the operation that led to the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the notorious Hamas leader, in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah. This operation, executed by the 828th Brigade, known as Bislach, highlighted the intense, close-quarters combat that has characterized the IDF's efforts in southern Gaza.

For weeks, under the strategic command of the Gaza Division, alongside the Internal Security Agency (ISA), the Nahal Brigade and the 828th Brigade have been deeply engaged in Rafah, focusing on intelligence-driven raids aimed at dismantling Hamas's infrastructure. This week's encounter began when troops identified several suspects. Upon engaging, these suspects, identified as terrorists, opened fire and hurled grenades towards the IDF soldiers. The troops responded swiftly, engaging in a firefight that saw the terrorists attempt to escape into nearby structures.

Utilizing tank fire, the IDF soldiers managed to neutralize the threat, a move that led to the discovery of Sinwar's body during subsequent scans the following day. This operation was part of a broader campaign that has seen the IDF, particularly the 162nd Division, systematically target and disrupt the operations of Hamas's Rafah Brigade and its Tel al-Sultan Battalion, significantly weakening their hold in the area and setting the stage for Sinwar's elimination.