Israeli forces killed Yahya Sinwar‚ Hamas leader‚ in Gaza about seven months ago The military released pictures and video of his final moments‚ starting a debate about how to show such events.
Israel says Sinwar was a coward who ran away. They showed him hurt and alone‚ calling it “a rats end“. Hamas fans see it different. They like the dirty clothes and scarf he wore‚ saying he died fighting.
In Arab areas‚ Israel isnt winning this argument. People in Jenin and other places put up posters of Sinwar right away. On social media‚ many see him as a hero.
Iran compared Sinwar to Saddam Hussein. They said Saddam begged when caught‚ but Sinwar stood up to his enemies. This might make more people follow him‚ they think.
The IDF said they found Sinwar by chance. He got hurt in a fight and went into a house. A drone saw him in a chair‚ bleeding. Tanks shot at the room‚ and soldiers found him dead the next day.
This story doesnt match what Israel said before about Sinwar hiding underground with hostages. It might make Hamas look better‚ some experts think.
In Israel‚ people were happy to see Sinwar dead. Even hostage families who wanted deals with him felt good about it. President Biden said it was like when Bin Laden died‚ but the US didnt show pictures then.
Some think Israel shouldnt have shared so much. It might help make Sinwar a legend‚ they say. But with soldiers phones‚ its hard to keep things secret now