Ex-Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, widely believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly October 7 attacks, had prepared for a prolonged stay underground, amassing luxury items and supplies as the war raged on. The footage, taken beneath the war-torn city of Khan Younis, shows the extraordinary amenities Sinwar had access to, in stark contrast to the dire conditions faced by Gaza’s civilian population.
The Israeli military has released startling footage of Yahya Sinwar’s underground bunker, revealing the lavish amenities the former Hamas leader enjoyed while evading the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Inside Sinwar’s bunker
Sinwar, the mastermind behind the deadly October 7 attacks, reportedly prepared to survive the war with a stash of cash, cologne, and personal luxuries in his bunker beneath the war-torn city of Khan Younis.
The IDF’s footage offers a rare glimpse into Sinwar’s underground hideout, which was equipped with modern conveniences, including:
- Multiple bathrooms
- Private showers
- Functional kitchen
- Food rations branded with the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) logo
The bunker also contained personal luxuries, such as numerous bottles of cologne and hygiene supplies, underscoring the comfort Sinwar maintained while the conflict above ground intensified.
Stockpiled wealth and weapons
In Sinwar’s personal quarters, the IDF discovered a large safe filled with millions of Israeli shekels. Additionally, lockers were found to contain a stockpile of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
These findings further support Israel’s accusations that Hamas diverts international aid, worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At 61 years old, Sinwar had taken refuge in the bunker alongside his close associates and guards. Reports suggest he continued to direct Hamas operations from underground while avoiding capture. Notably, during his escape, his wife was spotted carrying a $32,000 Hermes Birkin bag, a symbol of the wealth and privilege surrounding Sinwar during the conflict.
Yahya Sinwar’s death
Last week, Israeli forces confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar during a military operation. His death comes amid Israel’s multifront battle against both Hamas and Hezbollah, groups the United States designates as terrorist organizations.
Sinwar had risen to power following the death of the previous Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in an explosion in Iran earlier this year. While it remains unclear who will replace Sinwar, his death casts uncertainty over future ceasefire efforts, which have seen repeated breakdowns despite months of international negotiations.
As the conflict escalates, Sinwar’s bunker serves as a powerful reminder of the stark contrast between Hamas leadership’s opulence and the suffering of ordinary Gazans.