The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are currently "checking" reports they have killed the leader of terror group Hamas, Yahya Sinwar.

Sinwar, whom it emerged had plotted a 9/11 style attack on Israel before helping to mastermind the violent October 7 massacre, is thought to have been in a building in the Gaza Strip where "three terrorists were eliminated", the IDF said.

A statement on Thursday afternoon from the military's official social media account read: "During IDF operations in Gaza, three terrorists were eliminated.

"The IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency] are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists was Yahya Sinwar.

"At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed.

"In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area.

"The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution."