Jerusalem: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the orchestrator of the October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the ongoing Gaza war, was killed by Israeli forces in the Palestinian enclave, Israel confirmed on Thursday. His death is seen as a significant victory for Israel in the year-long conflict, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that the war would persist.
The Israeli military announced that Sinwar was killed during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. “After completing the process of identifying the body, it can be confirmed that Yahya Sinwar was eliminated,” the military stated. While Hamas has yet to officially comment, sources within the militant group have indicated that signs point to Sinwar’s death in the Israeli strike.
For families of hostages held by Hamas, Sinwar’s death raises hopes for a ceasefire that might lead to their loved ones’ release. However, in Gaza, residents—who have endured relentless Israeli bombardment for the past year—believe the war is far from over, although many still cling to hopes for self-determination.
In Jerusalem, Netanyahu addressed the nation after Sinwar’s death was confirmed, describing it as a pivotal moment in the conflict. However, he emphasized that Israel’s military efforts would continue until all hostages are safely returned. “Today, we have settled the score,” Netanyahu declared in a recorded statement. “But our task is not yet finished. To the families of the hostages, I say: we will continue with full force until all your loved ones are home.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also praised the operation, calling Sinwar a “mass murderer” responsible for the deadly October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of over 250 hostages. He hailed Sinwar’s elimination as both a military and moral victory for Israel.
U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the news, stating that Sinwar’s death offers Israelis some relief and opens the door for a “day after” scenario in Gaza without Hamas in power. Biden reiterated his commitment to working with Netanyahu to secure the release of hostages and bring an end to the conflict. Vice President Kamala Harris echoed these sentiments, telling reporters, “Justice has been served.”
Sinwar had risen to the top of Hamas after the assassination of its political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran earlier this year. Known for orchestrating attacks against Israel, Sinwar had been hiding in the network of tunnels Hamas built under Gaza over the last two decades. His death may further escalate tensions in the region, particularly as Israel remains locked in a broader conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and monitors Iran’s growing involvement.
Also Read | Red Alert Declared in Southern France After 630 mm of Rain in 48 Hours
The elimination of Sinwar comes as Israel continues its ground campaign in Lebanon and prepares for potential retaliation after an October 1 missile attack by Iran, a key Hamas ally. Yet, with over 42,000 Palestinians reportedly killed in the conflict, according to Gaza health authorities, Sinwar’s death might help renew stalled efforts toward ending the war.
Israel’s Army Radio confirmed that Sinwar was killed during a ground raid in Rafah, southern Gaza. The operation also resulted in the deaths of three other militants.
Hostages and a Push for Peace
Sinwar’s death raises fresh concerns over the fate of the hostages still held in Gaza. Families of the Israeli captives have expressed both relief and anxiety, acknowledging that while the elimination of Sinwar was a major accomplishment, their loved ones’ return remains the priority. The Hostages Families Forum released a statement urging Israeli and global leaders to leverage this military achievement into a diplomatic push for the release of the 101 hostages still in Hamas captivity.
In a heartfelt interview with Israeli broadcaster KAN, Avi Marciano, whose daughter Noa was killed while held captive by Hamas, said, “The monster who took her from me has finally met the gates of hell. It’s a little justice, but no comfort. Comfort will only come when all the hostages return home.”
Meanwhile, in Gaza’s Khan Younis, displaced Palestinian residents, like Thabet Amour, vowed that the resistance would persist despite Sinwar’s death. “This is a fight that doesn’t end with one man. The assassination of Sinwar will not stop the resistance or lead to surrender,” Amour said. Another Palestinian, Wassim Akhras, echoed this sentiment, believing the war would continue until Israeli hostages were returned.
