The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday they are "checking the possibility" that Hamas Political Bureau leader Yahya Sinwar was among three people killed in the Gaza Strip.

"At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed," the IDF wrote in a post to X. "In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area."

According to the IDF, Sinwar is hiding among the hostages, using them as human shields.

"The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution," added the Israel Defense Forces.