Closing in on Hamas terror mastermind

Sinwar switches hiding spots as Israel hunts him

- CHRIS HUGHES

ISRAELI security forces believe they are closing on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar amid furious battles in Gaza.

The terror leader - believed to be the mastermind of the October 7 atrocities - is thought to be hiding in a maze of tunnels beneath Khan Younis.

Soldiers and security agency Shin Bet have stepped up the search for Sinwar, 61, since he became leader three weeks ago.

Troops have been told killing him is a priority.

Sinwar's plot led to some 1,189 Israelis being murdered by Hamas gunmen, while 250 were abducted, sparking the Gaza war.

He was appointed overall head shortly after his predecessor, the more moderate Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in a suspected Israeli hit in Tehran.