Sinwar, 61, has led the terror group in Gaza since 2017. Known as “The Butcher of Khan Yunis”, he has been arrested several times.
While he was serving four life sentences for killing Palestinian collaborators, Israeli doctors diagnosed and treated a cancerous brain tumour.
In 2011, Sinwar was among the 1,027 prisoners freed in the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap. While in prison, acquaintances said that Sinwar became obsessed with Israel. He also learnt Hebrew.
Sinwar reportedly spoke to hostages in almost perfect Hebrew after October 7.
Yocheved Lifshitz, who was one of the first hostages freed in October, said she met Sinwar.
“Sinwar was with us three to four days after we arrived. I asked him how he is not ashamed to do such a thing to people who have supported peace all these years,” Lifshitz told Davar newspaper.
“He didn’t answer,” she added. “He was silent.”
Hamas is known for using civilians as human shields.
