Rumors have sparked regarding Hamas head Yahya Sinwar's whereabouts following IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi's Sunday statement, in which a picture of Sinwar marked with a question mark appeared behind Halevi as he spoke.
Halevi issued a statement during an operational briefing as Israeli forces conducted strikes on the Houthi terror group in Yemen.
However, notably in the background of Halevi was a photo that depicted a diagram of Hamas's leadership, with a question mark over Sinwar's name, possibly indicating that the IDF was uncertain of his whereabouts or status.
איקס על נסראללה, סינוואר עם סימן שאלה: רשימת בכירי חמאס וחזבאללה מהערכת המצב המטכ"לית בתמונה שהופצה היום על ידי צה"ל@Doron_Kadosh pic.twitter.com/lZ0MR71EOt
— גלצ (@GLZRadio) September 29, 2024
There has been speculation that the photo was intended to be a subtle message conveyed by the IDF.
The image came following growing rumors over Sinwar’s status, with reports in recent weeks suggesting the terrorist leader may no longer be alive.
Several Israeli intelligence experts have raised the possibility that Sinwar may have died, but as of now, no concrete proof has emerged to corroborate this.
Intelligence officials in Israel believe that statements released in Sinwar's name over the past few weeks were not actually written by him.
Interesting timing behind the image
During his speech, Halevi underscored the IDF's capacity to carry out precise, long-range attacks, stating, “The IDF knows how to reach far and strike with accuracy.”
Additionally, the timing of the disclosed picture came after former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed on Saturday in Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood during an Israeli airstrike.
Nasrallah's body was recovered today on Sunday, and, according to reports, he likely died from suffocation after retreating into a poorly ventilated room during the bombing.