On Thursday, October 17th, the Israeli Prime Minister gave a televised speech regarding the killing of Hamas leader, stating that it brings peace to the Middle East. However, he also warned that the Gaza conflict is not over, and Israel will continue to fight until all hostages are released.
The Israeli military announced that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader, was killed in an operation in southern Gaza on Wednesday and the body was identified. On Thursday, the military released a short video captured by a drone showing Sinwar moments before he was killed.
Sinwar was the mastermind behind the attack that sparked the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023.
Sinwar’s death marks a significant success for Israel and a key event in the year-long Israel-Hamas conflict.
Hamas has not immediately commented, but Reuters quoted sources from the organization saying that signs from Gaza indicate Sinwar was killed in an Israeli operation.
Netanyahu later spoke in Jerusalem, saying, “Today we settled the score. Today evil was dealt a blow, but our mission is not yet over.”
“I want to say to the families of the hostages: this is an important moment in the war. We will do everything we can until all your loved ones – our loved ones – return home,” he added.
Israelis, a year ago while we were celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, Sinwar was preparing for the massacre on October 7. Today, I stand before you to tell you that Sinwar has been eliminated. He is the man who committed the most heinous massacre in our national history, killing thousands of Israelis, abducting hundreds of our people, and today, he was bravely taken down by our soldiers.
Today, as promised, we put an end to him.
Today, evil suffered a heavy blow, but our mission is not yet complete.
To the dear families of the hostages, I say: this is a crucial moment in the war. We will do everything we can until all your loved ones – our loved ones – return home. This is our top priority. This is also my top priority.
To the residents of Gaza, I say: Sinwar ruined your lives. He told you he was a lion, but in reality, he hid in a dark tunnel and was eliminated by our soldiers in the chaos.
His elimination is a crucial milestone in the demise of the evil axis of Hamas.
I reiterate: Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the beginning of a post-Hamas era, a chance for you, the residents of Gaza, to finally rid yourselves of their tyranny.
To the terrorists of Hamas, I say: your leaders are fleeing and will be eliminated.
I say to all who hold Israeli hostages: drop your weapons, release our hostages, and we will allow you to come out alive. Similarly, to those who have harmed our hostages, they will pay the price, we will hold them accountable.
Bringing the hostages back is an opportunity for us to achieve all our goals, bringing us closer to the end of the war.
To the people of the region: in Gaza, in Beirut, on the streets of the entire region, darkness is receding, and light is rising.
Deif, Haniyeh, Sinwar, Nasrallah, Mohsen, Aqil, and many of their associates no longer exist (note: these are all top Hamas leaders who were killed).
I urge you, the people of the region: we have a great chance to defeat the evil axis, create a different future, a peaceful future, a prosperous future for the entire region. Together, we can push away the curse and welcome blessings.
Now, Israel and everyone in the world understand why we persist in not stopping the war – why we face all pressure and still insist on entering Hamas’ stronghold, Rafah. Because Sinwar and many of the perpetrators of the massacres are hiding there.
I deeply thank the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), their fighters, and commanders for their steadfast and brave actions. They are the best.
Today, we once again show the fate awaiting those who harm us. Today, we once again demonstrate to the world the victory of justice over evil.
But the war is not over. It is brutal, and we have paid a heavy price. My heartfelt condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones. I want to embrace the families of our fallen heroes. Their ultimate sacrifice, including in these days, brings us closer to victory.
As King David said, “I will pursue my enemies and destroy them. I will not turn back until they are eliminated.”
Israelis, we are waging a battle of revival. We still face tremendous challenges. We need perseverance, unity, courage, and resilience. We will fight together, with God’s help, we will triumph together.