A recently-released video by the Israel Protection Forces (IDF) that includes former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and his household has caught the eye of many on-line for a putting purpose.
The footage depicts Sinwar and his household fleeing right into a tunnel beneath their house in Khan Younis simply hours earlier than Hamas launched its lethal assault on Israel on October 7.
What has sparked widespread dialogue is the sight of Sinwar’s spouse, Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar, holding a Hermès Birkin bag valued at $32,000 (roughly Rs 27 lakh), highlighting a stark distinction to the struggles confronted by extraordinary folks in Gaza who’re attempting to safe fundamental requirements.
The Birkin bag, launched in 1984 by French luxurious model Hermès, is famend for its excessive value and exclusivity, making it a big standing image among the many rich.
IDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avichay Adraee took to X (previously Twitter) to emphasize the disparity between the Sinwar household’s luxurious way of life and the hardships skilled by the bulk in Gaza. “Whereas the folks of Gaza lack funds for fundamental requirements, we see many examples of Yahya Sinwar and his spouse’s affinity for wealth,” Adraee wrote.
The outrage stems from criticisms of Hamas leaders like Sinwar, who’re accused of residing in luxurious whereas extraordinary Gazans face day by day challenges.
Israel’s international ministry echoed this sentiment on X, stating, “On this photograph, Sinwar’s spouse sneaks into the tunnels the night time earlier than October 7, clutching a $32,000 Hermès Birkin bag! Whereas Gazans suffered beneath Hamas, Sinwar and his household lived in luxurious, indulging whereas sending others to die.”
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, one other IDF spokesperson, highlighted the video’s significance, saying, “Even on the eve of the brutal bloodbath, Sinwar was centered on his household’s survival.” He emphasised that Sinwar prioritised himself and his household whereas orchestrating the assault that focused Israeli civilians.
Sinwar and Hamas
Born on October 29, 1962, Yahya Sinwar was a outstanding Hamas determine, who rose to energy after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in July, allegedly carried out by Israel in Tehran. Sinwar took over as Hamas’s chief following Haniyeh’s loss of life and led the organisation till his personal latest loss of life.
On October 16, Israeli forces killed Sinwar in Rafah, southern Gaza, a truth later confirmed by Hamas. Sinwar was seen because the mastermind behind the October 7 assault, which escalated the continued battle within the area. His loss of life marks a big turning level within the battle between Israel and Hamas.
Sinwar married Samar Muhammad Abu Zamar in November 2011, when she was 18 years his junior. Because the launch of the IDF footage, his spouse has develop into a focus in media discussions.
Luxuries amid hardship
This footage has renewed consideration on the financial disparities in Gaza. Whereas a lot of the inhabitants struggles to fulfill fundamental wants, Hamas leaders and their households have usually been accused of having fun with luxurious life. Samar’s Birkin bag has fuelled conversations on social media, highlighting the distinction between the wealth of Hamas leaders and the dire situations confronted by Gaza residents.
The IDF continues to make use of this footage to criticize Hamas’s governance and draw consideration to the management’s extravagant life.
