The IDF has released video footage showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on the night before the October 7 attack, retreating with his family into an underground tunnel network beneath his home in Khan Younis. The video shows him transporting equipment and supplies for an extended stay underground.

According to the IDF, this footage was retrieved from Gaza several months ago.

“Even on the eve before the brutal massacre, Sinwar was busy with his survival and the survival of his family,” said IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. “A few hours before the massacre, Sinwar and his family escaped alone to the tunnel. [They] went back and forth with sacks of food, water, pillows, a plasma television, mattresses and other supplies for a long stay.”

“Hours before the massacre, Sinwar only cared about himself and his family, while he sent terrorists for the murderous attack on Israeli children, women and men,” said Hagari. “Among other things, these videos led the IDF and Shin Bet to narrow down the area of the pursuit of Sinwar. We chased him and got him to act as a wanted fugitive.”

“Sinwar hid most of the time underground in the area between Khan Yunis and Rafah, and came out only to escape, accompanied by bodyguards and with documents, certificates, weapons and money in his possession.”

“This is actually the first time that Yahya Sinwar, who had been hiding underground for a year, met the IDF forces in Gaza, and this is also the moment when he was eliminated,” Hagari says. “They closed the circle with the man responsible for the cruel massacre of October 7.”