Watch: Hamas Leader's Wife Seen Carrying 27 Lakh Rupees Bag In Gaza Tunnel

Former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in an Israeli operation in southern Gaza last week, was captured on CCTV footage moving through a tunnel with his wife and children just hours before the deadly October 7 attack on Israel last year. The footage shows Sinwar carrying items like pillows, mattresses, a television, and bags inside the tunnel located beneath their family home in Khan Younis. Meanwhile, his wife was spotted with a Hermes bag that Israel claims is valued at $32,000.

Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) released footage on October 20 claiming that Yahya Sinwar's wife was seen carrying an expensive handbag worth $32,000 (approximately ₹27 lakh). The IDF accused Sinwar of masterminding these attacks, and he was killed by Israeli soldiers in Rafah City, Gaza, earlier this week.

Watch: Yahya Sinwar's Wife Seen With ₹26 Lakh Bag in Gaza Tunnel

In a post on social media, the Israeli foreign ministry claimed, "Sinwar's wife was caught in this photo sneaking to the tunnels the night before October 7th—clinging a $32,000 Hermes Birkin bag! While Gazans endured hardship under Hamas, Sinwar and his family were shamelessly living in luxury, indulging while sending others to die." 

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!

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

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 20, 2024

Lieutenant Colonel Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic language spokesperson, reinforced this claim, emphasising that while Sinwar's family enjoyed a lavish life, most residents of Gaza struggle with basic necessities and often lack sufficient funds for food. The allegations paint a stark picture of inequality amid the ongoing conflict.

🎥DECLASSIFIED FOOTAGE:

Sinwar hours before the October 7 massacre: taking down his TV into his tunnel, hiding underneath his civilians, and preparing to watch his terrorists murder, kindap and rape. pic.twitter.com/wTAF9xAPLU

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) October 19, 2024

About The Birkin Bag

The Birkin bag, introduced in 1984 by the French luxury brand Hermes, is often considered a status symbol due to its high price and limited availability. The revelation that Sinwar's wife was carrying such an expensive item has sparked outrage among those aware of the dire conditions faced by many in Gaza, leading to questions about the values and priorities of those in power within Hamas.

Background of Yahya Sinwar and His Family

Yahya Sinwar married Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar in November 2011, who is 18 years younger than him. The couple has three children together. Sinwar was known to have a significant influence within Hamas, and in July, he succeeded Ismail Haniyeh as the group's chief after Haniyeh was allegedly assassinated by Israel in Tehran, Iran.

Sinwar’s role as a leader and the circumstances surrounding his death have drawn intense scrutiny, particularly regarding how he and his family lived during a time of widespread suffering in Gaza. 

Many on social media expressed anger over the situation, questioning how leaders can live in luxury while their people face significant hardships.