Jerusalem (TDI): Israeli forces have killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israel announced on Thursday.
His death is seen as a major development in the year-long war.
While some Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, saw the killing as a possible turning point towards ending the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war was far from over.
Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would continue its military campaign until all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were safely returned.
Israel’s military confirmed that Sinwar was killed in 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 said.
Also Read: Hamas Names Yahya Sinwar as New Chief
For the families of Israeli hostages, Sinwar’s death brought mixed emotions.
Many hoped for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of captives but feared their loved ones might be in greater danger due to the ongoing conflict.
Western leaders have encouraged Israel to use this moment to seek peace.
However, Israeli officials made it clear that their military efforts would continue.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz hailed Sinwar’s death as a “great military and moral achievement,” holding him responsible for the atrocities committed during the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Also Read: Iran Warns of ‘Decisive’ Response If Israel Strikes
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Israel’s military chief, stated that Sinwar had been acting like a fugitive for the past year, frequently changing his location to avoid capture.
The killing occurred during a ground operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, where Israeli troops reportedly eliminated three Hamas fighters, including Sinwar, and recovered their bodies, according to Israeli media.
