Israel’s military has confirmed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that Sinwar, who according to Tel Aviv was behind October 7 attack on Israel, was killed in a targeted operation after a year-long pursuit.
In Gaza, Israel has killed nearly 43,000 Palestinians in continuos airstrikes and other brutal military operations since October 7, 2023, when Hamas forces retaliated to decades long occupational crimes committed by Israel.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that the strike, which took place on October 16, killed Sinwar after extensive efforts by the Southern Command and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency.
Sinwar, who had strong ties with Iran, was known for his secretive operations and constant movement. He frequently relied on non-digital communication to avoid detection but was ultimately located and killed. Drone footage from the operation showed Sinwar sitting in a damaged apartment before a final shell collapsed the building. He was found with a bulletproof vest and grenades.
Sinwar’s rise to the leadership of Hamas came in August this year, following the death of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh. Despite surviving numerous Israeli airstrikes, Sinwar and his brother, also a top commander, were eventually cornered in Gaza, reports said quoting Israeli military statement.
Reactions to his death poured in from Israel’s Western allies, including US President Joe Biden, who praised the operation. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Biden called Sinwar’s death “a good day for Israel, the United States, and the world.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, the UK’s Defense Secretary, and Germany’s Foreign Minister also lauded the killing of Sinwar.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called for a “new phase” following his demise. She stated that it is time for the release of all hostages, an immediate ceasefire, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Meloni emphasised Italy’s commitment to supporting efforts toward a credible political process that aims for a two-state solution.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned him for committing “the worst crimes.” He attributed responsibility for Hamas’s attacks on Israeli citizens, which included killings and assaults. Following a meeting with EU leaders in Brussels, Scholz refrained from speculating on whether the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas would become easier or more difficult.
