The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage showing former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his family escaping into a tunnel beneath their home in Khan Younis, hours before Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel on October 7. The footage, published on Saturday, highlighted Sinwar's preparation for his survival and that of his family while planning the assault.
Rear admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, explained the significance of the video. "Even on the eve of the brutal massacre, Sinwar was busy with his survival and the survival of his family," Hagari stated, emphasizing Sinwar’s priorities. "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," he added.
Luxury Amid Hardship: Sinwar’s Wife with $32,000 Bag
The footage has gained widespread attention not just for its timing but also due to an expensive item spotted with Sinwar's wife, Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar. She was seen holding a Hermès Birkin bag worth $32,000 (approximately ₹27 lakh), a striking symbol of wealth amid the dire living conditions in Gaza. The Birkin bag, introduced in 1984 by French luxury goods brand Hermès, is a well-known status symbol due to its high cost and exclusivity.
IDF Arabic-language spokesperson lieutenant colonel Avichay Adraee took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out the vast disparity between the Sinwar family’s luxury lifestyle and the hardship endured by the majority of Gaza’s population. "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," Adraee wrote.
The outrage stemmed from the fact that while Gazans face immense poverty, Hamas leaders, such as Sinwar, have been criticized for indulging in lavish luxuries. Israel’s foreign ministry also addressed the issue on its X handle, stating, “Sinwar's wife caught in this photo sneaking to the tunnels the night before October 7th – get this – clutching a $32,000 Hermès Birkin bag! While Gazans endured hardship under Hamas, Sinwar and his family were shamelessly living in luxury, indulging while sending others to die.”
Yahya Sinwar’s Leadership and Death
Yahya Sinwar, born on October 29, 1962, was a prominent figure in Hamas. He rose to power after Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in July, allegedly by Israel, in Tehran. Sinwar succeeded Haniyeh as Hamas’s chief following his death and led the organization until his own demise.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed Sinwar in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. Hamas later confirmed his death. Sinwar was widely regarded as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, which left hundreds dead in Israel. His death marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Sinwar married Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar in November 2011, when she was 18 years younger than him. The couple had three children together. Sinwar's wife has since become a focal point in the media following the release of the IDF footage.
Sinwar’s Luxuries Contrasted with Gaza’s Hardship
The release of this footage has led to renewed focus on the economic disparity in Gaza. While the majority of Gaza's population struggles with limited access to basic needs, Hamas leaders and their families have often been accused of enjoying luxurious lifestyles. The image of Samar holding a Birkin bag has fueled discussions on social media, contrasting the wealth of Hamas leaders with the difficult conditions of Gaza residents.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, and the IDF continues to highlight the leadership’s lavish lifestyle, using this footage to further their critique of Hamas’s governance.
Rear admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, explained the significance of the video. "Even on the eve of the brutal massacre, Sinwar was busy with his survival and the survival of his family," Hagari stated, emphasizing Sinwar’s priorities. "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," he added.
Sinwar’s wife caught in this photo sneaking to the tunnels the night before October 7th - get this - clutching a $32,000 Hermes Birkin bag!
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 20, 2024
While Gazans endured hardship under Hamas, Sinwar and his family were shamelessly living in luxury, indulging while sending others to die. pic.twitter.com/Q9fTqhqxo8
Luxury Amid Hardship: Sinwar’s Wife with $32,000 Bag
The footage has gained widespread attention not just for its timing but also due to an expensive item spotted with Sinwar's wife, Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar. She was seen holding a Hermès Birkin bag worth $32,000 (approximately ₹27 lakh), a striking symbol of wealth amid the dire living conditions in Gaza. The Birkin bag, introduced in 1984 by French luxury goods brand Hermès, is a well-known status symbol due to its high cost and exclusivity.
IDF Arabic-language spokesperson lieutenant colonel Avichay Adraee took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out the vast disparity between the Sinwar family’s luxury lifestyle and the hardship endured by the majority of Gaza’s population. "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," Adraee wrote.
The outrage stemmed from the fact that while Gazans face immense poverty, Hamas leaders, such as Sinwar, have been criticized for indulging in lavish luxuries. Israel’s foreign ministry also addressed the issue on its X handle, stating, “Sinwar's wife caught in this photo sneaking to the tunnels the night before October 7th – get this – clutching a $32,000 Hermès Birkin bag! While Gazans endured hardship under Hamas, Sinwar and his family were shamelessly living in luxury, indulging while sending others to die.”
Yahya Sinwar’s Leadership and Death
Yahya Sinwar, born on October 29, 1962, was a prominent figure in Hamas. He rose to power after Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in July, allegedly by Israel, in Tehran. Sinwar succeeded Haniyeh as Hamas’s chief following his death and led the organization until his own demise.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed Sinwar in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. Hamas later confirmed his death. Sinwar was widely regarded as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, which left hundreds dead in Israel. His death marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Sinwar married Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar in November 2011, when she was 18 years younger than him. The couple had three children together. Sinwar's wife has since become a focal point in the media following the release of the IDF footage.
Sinwar’s Luxuries Contrasted with Gaza’s Hardship
The release of this footage has led to renewed focus on the economic disparity in Gaza. While the majority of Gaza's population struggles with limited access to basic needs, Hamas leaders and their families have often been accused of enjoying luxurious lifestyles. The image of Samar holding a Birkin bag has fueled discussions on social media, contrasting the wealth of Hamas leaders with the difficult conditions of Gaza residents.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, and the IDF continues to highlight the leadership’s lavish lifestyle, using this footage to further their critique of Hamas’s governance.
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