Assassinated Hamas Leader Had UN Employee ID on Body at Time of Death

Top Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar had an UN employee ID on him at the time of his assassination at the hands of Israeli forces in a chance encounter.

Photos of Yahya Sinwar's personal belongings were shared to X by Amit Segal, a journalist for Israel's Channel 12 News. One of these items was identified by Segal as an UNRWA teacher ID.

Other items found with Sinwar included money, an AK-47, a lighter and Mentos candy.

The assassination of Sinwar was confirmed by Israeli and U.S. officials Thursday after soldiers reportedly ran into the Hamas leader by chance. Troops had instructed a tank to fire on a building, which the 450th infantry battalion confirmed fatally injured Sinwar.

"This is the beginning of the day after Hamas," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message. "Evil has suffered a heavy blow, but the task before us is not yet complete."

President Joe Biden said in a statement, "This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world." He added that he planned to speak with Netanyahu on further plans for retrieving the hostages.

Biden added, "There is now the opportunity for a 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power, and for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Yahya Sinwar was an insurmountable obstacle to achieving all of those goals. That obstacle no longer exists. But much work remains before us."

The Hamas leader rose to power as a political and military figure in July after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.

Vice President Kamala Harris said at a press conference that Sinwar was "the mastermind of Oct. 7," and praised Israeli soldiers for their efforts.

"Justice has been served, and the United States, Israel and the entire world are better off as a result. Sinwar was responsible for the killing of thousands of innocent people, including the victims of Oct. 7 and hostages killed in Gaza. He had American blood on his hands. Today, I can only hope that the families of the victims of Hamas feel a sense and measure of relief," Harris told reporters.