The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video showing former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar "fleeing into a tunnel" the night before the October 7 attack on Israel. The footage shows Sinwar and his family escaping into a tunnel complex beneath his home in Khan Younis. In the video, they are seen carrying equipment and supplies, preparing for an extended stay underground. Shortly after the video's release, IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee claimed that Sinwar's wife is seen holding a Hermès Birkin handbag worth $32,000 in the clip.
"Did Sinwar's wife enter the tunnel with him on October 6, carrying a Birkin bag estimated to cost about $32,000?! I will leave the comment to you. While the people of Gaza do not have enough money for a tent or basic necessities, we see many examples of Yahya Sinwar and his wife’s special love for money…" he wrote on X.
هل زوجة السنوار دخلت معه إلى النفق في السادس من أكتوبر وبحوزتها حقيبة لشركة بيركين التي تقدر كلفتها بنحو 32 ألف دولار؟! أترك لكم التعليق.بينما لا يملك سكان غزة الأموال الكافية لخيمة أو للمواد الأساسية نرى أمثلة كثيرة لحب يحيي السنوار وزوجته الخاص للأموال… pic.twitter.com/sGft4Qg9s8
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) October 19, 2024
According to reports, Sinwar was married to Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar, who was 18 years younger to him. They were reportedly married in 2011 and have three children.
While releasing the footage of their "escape," IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said, "Even on the eve before the brutal massacre, Sinwar was busy with his survival and the survival of his family. A few hours before the massacre, Sinwar and his family escaped alone to the tunnel."
He claimed that for hours, 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," Hagari added.
Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Wednesday. Hamas later confirmed his death, stating that he was killed in Tal as-Sultan, Rafah.