GAZA: The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza was not a result of a pre-planned operation, according to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. During a visit to northern Gaza, Halevi stated that the presence of the 450th Brigade unit, which was responsible for Sinwar’s death, was not strategically arranged in the area.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Halevi clarified that the soldiers involved were unaware of Sinwar’s identity at the time of the shooting. “They did not know who they were shooting at,” he said, emphasizing the lack of premeditated action in the elimination of the Hamas leader.

Despite the absence of specific intent, Halevi noted that Sinwar’s death was not entirely accidental. He attributed it to the ongoing and systematic pressure exerted by the IDF on Hamas forces. Halevi highlighted the continuous operations targeting Rafah and the elimination of a Hamas brigade there as part of this pressure. “It did not happen by chance,” he stated, attributing the succ
ess to the regional command’s insistence on deploying additional troops and maintaining operational control during the Jewish holiday month.