The identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed,” the IDF and Israeli air force cautioned in a joint statement. A body, believed to be Sinwar’s, is being brought to Israel for DNA analysis.

There has been no official comment from Hamas but sources in the group said the indications suggested that Sinwar had been killed during an Israeli operation in the area of Tal El Sultan, in southern Gaza.

Sinwar, a U.S.-designated terrorist, is regarded as the architect of Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. The death drew comparisons to the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Interrogation transcripts and accounts from Israeli security officials and fellow prisoners point to an uncompromising strategist with a penchant for killing.

Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Leader, Was Killed, Israel Confirms transcript This is a critical, time-sensitive development as it relates to the hostages. We are calling on the Israeli government and the U.S. administration to act swiftly and do whatever is needed to reach a deal with the captors.