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Hamas leader Sinwar killed by Israeli troops in Gaza, Netanyahu says war will go on

Hamas Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar gestures during an anti-Israel rally in Gaza City, May 24, 2021. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem/File Photo

Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Killed by Israeli Forces

Overview

Yahya Sinwar, a key leader of Hamas and architect of the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing Gaza conflict, has been killed by Israeli forces. His death marks a significant moment in the conflict, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that military operations will continue until all hostages are freed. Sinwar’s elimination represents a critical victory for Israel but also raises questions about the future trajectory of the conflict.

Israeli Military Operation

The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that Yahya Sinwar was killed during a ground operation in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, on Wednesday. Following a process of body identification, including DNA testing, Israel verified Sinwar’s death. The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of three militants, whose bodies were recovered by Israeli forces.

Reaction from Israeli Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking after the death was confirmed, described Sinwar’s killing as a pivotal moment but emphasized that the war in Gaza would persist until all Israeli hostages were released. In a recorded statement, Netanyahu remarked, “Today we have settled the score. Today evil has been dealt a blow but our task has still not been completed.” He reiterated Israel’s commitment to bringing hostages back home before considering a halt in military action.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen hailed Sinwar’s death as both a military and moral victory for Israel, labeling him as a “mass murderer responsible for the massacre and atrocities” of the October 7 attack. The assault on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages.

Hostage Situation and Calls for Ceasefire

Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza expressed hope that Sinwar’s death could pave the way for a ceasefire, leading to the return of the captives. The Hostages Families Forum voiced concern over the fate of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas, calling for the Israeli government and international mediators to leverage this military success into securing a diplomatic solution.

Gaza’s Response and Ongoing Conflict

In Gaza, where residents have endured relentless Israeli bombardment for over a year, the reaction to Sinwar’s death has been mixed. While some residents continue to hope for self-determination, many believe the conflict will not end soon. Some view Sinwar’s assassination as unlikely to weaken Hamas or its resistance efforts. “This is resistance that does not disappear when men disappear,” one displaced resident stated, emphasizing that Hamas’ ideology would persist beyond individual leaders.

Sinwar’s Legacy and Role in Hamas

Yahya Sinwar, born in 1962, was a prominent figure in Hamas for decades, known for his role in executing Palestinian informers suspected of collaborating with Israel. His notoriety grew during his 22-year imprisonment in Israel for orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of Israeli soldiers. Upon his release, he quickly rose through Hamas’ ranks, eventually becoming its overall leader following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in July 2023. Sinwar was widely seen as instrumental in Hamas’ militant activities, and his death could influence both the movement’s future and broader Middle Eastern dynamics.

Regional Implications and Future Prospects

Sinwar’s death could heighten tensions in the Middle East, where conflict between Israel and its regional adversaries, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-backed factions, has already escalated. Israel has been conducting a ground campaign in Lebanon for the past month and is preparing a response to a missile attack from Iran on October 1.

Despite the possible intensification of hostilities, Sinwar’s assassination may also revive stalled efforts toward ending the Gaza war, which has claimed over 42,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health officials. However, Palestinian resistance figures insist that the killing of Sinwar will not signal the end of the fight against Israeli occupation.

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