After the Israeli military announced the killing of Hamas’ top leader Yahya Sinwar, Hamas confirmed on Friday (October 18) that Sinwar was killed in the battle.
Sinwar masterminded the massacre on October 7, 2023, targeting Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, including Israelis and individuals from other countries. He also kidnapped 250 hostages, with 101 still being held in Gaza. It was one of the deadliest days in Israel for decades, leading Israel to declare war on Hamas. Sinwar became the number one target for Israeli forces.
On Friday, Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ deputy leader in Gaza and chief negotiator, stated that Sinwar died in the battle.
In a video statement, Al-Hayya vowed that Sinwar’s death would only strengthen Hamas, pledging to make Israel regret killing Sinwar soon. Al-Hayya is responsible for ceasefire negotiations and the release of hostages in Gaza.
He added that unless Israel stops its actions in Gaza, completely withdraws from Gaza, and releases Palestinian prisoners in Israeli territory, Hamas will not release the 101 hostages held captive.
The Israeli military announced on Thursday (October 17) that Sinwar was accidentally killed during an Israeli strike operation.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security meeting on Friday to discuss Sinwar’s killing and the opportunity it provides for the return of Gaza hostages and the destruction of Hamas.
Netanyahu stated on Thursday, “Evil has received a heavy blow today, but our mission is not yet complete.”
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also remarked that Israel’s killing of Sinwar creates an “excellent opportunity” for achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
Sinwar’s death dealt another deadly blow to this Palestinian armed organization. Previously, Israel had killed several Hamas commanders and the organization’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
On July 31, Haniyeh was assassinated in a guesthouse in Tehran where he was staying. Hamas and Iran accused Israel of being behind the assassination, further escalating tensions in the region.