Slain Hamas Chief Sinwar's Wife Held $32,000 'Birkin Bag' In October 6 Escape Footage | Video

The wife of former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was spotted with a $32,000 Birkin bag in newly released footage, recorded just one day before the Islamic group launched its attack on Israel on October 7 last year.

IDF Spokesperson Lt.-Col. Avichay Adraee highlighted the contrast between the luxury item and the dire conditions in Gaza, where many residents struggle to afford necessities. In a post on X, Adraee questioned whether Sinwar’s wife entered a tunnel during their October 6 escape while carrying the expensive bag.

The footage, released by IDF, shows Sinwar and his family fleeing just hours before the October 7 attacks. The Israeli military described how the family spent hours gathering supplies for an extended stay underground. The bag in question is speculated to be a Hermes Birkin 25, a luxury item worth tens of thousands of dollars, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Life and Death of Sinwar

Before his death, Sinwar was estimated to have a net worth of around $3 billion, and he was found with thousands of shekels on him. The juxtaposition of his family’s wealth against the suffering of Gaza residents sparked social media reactions, with some users sarcastically commenting on the use of luxury items in such a context.

On Saturday, the Israeli army released footage it said showed Sinwar preparing for a prolonged stay underground in Gaza hours before the Palestinian group launched its October 7 attack. Sinwar is accused of masterminding the unprecedented attack last year that triggered the ongoing war. He was killed by Israeli forces earlier this week.

The footage released by the Israeli military showed Sinwar with his wife and children in a tunnel that army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said was under the family home in Khan Yunis. “You can see how Sinwar and his family members escape to an underground compound under their house on the night of October 6, just hours before the brutal massacre,” Hagari told a televised briefing while showing the grainy footage.

‘Water, pillows, a plasma screen’

Sinwar, wearing a plain t-shirt, is seen walking through the tunnel with his two children and wife. “They are alone for hours. Sinwar and his son go up and down, equipping themselves with plates of food, water, pillows, a plasma screen, mattresses and other products for a long stay,” said Hagari.

The spokesman showed images of the underground compound which had toilets, showers and a kitchen. He said food, cash and some documents were also found there. The release of the video comes days after Sinwar was killed by troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in a firefight that ended with the Hamas leader cornered and alone in a destroyed building.

Drone footage, also released by the Israeli military after his death, showed an apparently injured Sinwar throwing an object at the drone in his final moments. The military has also shared footage showing an Israeli tank firing on the building Sinwar was said to be in. The Hamas leader, who just months ago replaced his slain predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, had not been seen in public throughout the war.

(With agency inputs)