Palestinian resident Ashraf Abo Taha, whose home was the site of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s elimination, expressed his astonishment upon learning that the terror leader had occupied his residence. In an interview with the BBC on Sunday, Taha recounted his reaction after viewing drone footage of the operation on Ibn Sena Street in Rafah, located in southern Gaza.
He recognized the house he had vacated in May after his daughter first pointed out the footage, which led to an initial sense of disbelief on his part.
“I was like ‘yes this is my house’ and I saw the pictures and here I was shocked,” Taha stated.
Evacuating Rafah
International entities had sought to dissuade Israel from entering Rafah, even in light of the discovery of two hostages and substantial Hamas infrastructure in the area. Nevertheless, Israeli forces proceeded to enter Rafah and evacuate the residents who were taking refuge there. It was in Rafah that the Israel Defense Forces later uncovered the bodies of six hostages who had been executed by their Hamas captors.
Although the terror leader was killed in Taha’s residence, the Gazan individual denies any association with him.
“My brothers, my sons, and I have never had any involvement in this,” he stated, clarifying that he was unaware of how Sinwar had come to be in his home.
While it has not been conclusively verified that Taha’s residence is the same location where Sinwar was killed, BBC Verify noted that Taha’s photographs of the window arches, external door decorations, shelves, and armchairs corresponded with the footage.
Taha mentioned that he constructed the home with his brothers at a cost of NIS 200,000 (approximately $53,650).
“What has transpired has caused me great sorrow; the house I built and all my investments are lost,” he lamented. “Only God can provide us with compensation.”
Taha expressed grief over the loss of many possessions, which he indicated had been acquired by his parents and held significant sentimental value.
