Israel announced on Thursday that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, was killed, calling it a “heavy blow” to the Palestinian group.
According to the Israeli military, Sinwar was eliminated in an operation in southern Gaza on Wednesday after a year-long pursuit.
Although Hamas has yet to confirm his death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Sinwar’s death marked a significant defeat for Hamas, though the conflict is far from over.
Netanyahu referred to it as an “important milestone in Hamas’ downfall.”
Foreign Minister Israel Katz labeled Sinwar a “mass murderer” responsible for the October 7 massacre, while President Isaac Herzog praised the killing of the militant behind the attack.
Sinwar, accused of planning the deadliest assault in Israel’s history, had been Israel’s target since the Gaza war began. He rose through Hamas ranks to lead the group after the death of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in July.
Israel’s announcement follows the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah weeks earlier and the deaths of several other Iran-backed commanders.
US President Joe Biden, backing Israel, called the day a significant victory for Israel and a potential opportunity for a political settlement in Gaza.
Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi vowed to continue efforts to capture all those involved in the October 7 attack and bring hostages home.
Sinwar’s death could signal a turning point in Gaza, according to Israeli officials, potentially reshaping the conflict’s dynamics.
However, experts caution that Hamas’ rule over Gaza remains intact, and the hostages still face significant risks.
Israel’s broader military campaign has expanded into Lebanon, where Hezbollah has launched cross-border strikes.
The conflict in Lebanon has already claimed 1,373 lives since the war’s escalation in late September.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, airstrikes have continued, leading to further civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The UN and international observers warn of a growing crisis as winter approaches, with hundreds of thousands in Gaza facing extreme hunger and poverty.
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