Israel Claims the Elimination of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Israel has confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, a top Hamas leader, killed during military operations in southern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Sinwar was eliminated on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Sinwar’s death after extensive DNA identification. “Yahya Sinwar’s operational movement had been severely restricted by our operations over the past year, which led to his elimination,” stated the IDF. Despite Israel’s assertion, Hamas has yet to comment on these claims.
Since October 2023, Israel has been waging a military campaign in Gaza, with over 42,000 Palestinians killed, mostly civilians. This followed deadly Hamas attacks in southern Israel, resulting in 1,139 Israeli fatalities.
Netanyahu took responsibility for Sinwar’s killing, saying, “We have settled the score today. Evil has been struck, but the war is far from over.” He emphasized that efforts to rescue the remaining hostages in Gaza would continue at full force. Of the 250 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, roughly half have been released, while around 70 are still believed to be in Gaza.
Sinwar, 62, was one of the masterminds behind the October 2023 Hamas attacks. A prominent figure in Hamas since 2017, he spent 22 years in an Israeli prison before his release in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange. Known for his disciplined and strategic leadership, Sinwar remained focused on resisting Israeli military operations.
His death comes months after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a series of high-profile assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders by Israel in recent months.
The war has triggered a broader regional conflict, involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and even direct missile strikes from Iran. With tensions escalating, many fear that Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza could draw in further international involvement, including from the United States.
Israeli citizens have expressed hope that Sinwar’s death will lead to a deal for the remaining hostages. Families of captives, like Orna Neutra, whose son Omer remains in Gaza, are calling for swift action to secure their loved ones’ release.
Despite these developments, Gaza residents, like Salah Musleh, doubt Sinwar’s killing will halt the war, believing the conflict to be part of a broader struggle for Palestinian existence. “We are proud of this end to Sinwar, but the war is not over,” said Musleh.
As Israel continues its military efforts, the death of Yahya Sinwar is seen as a major victory, yet the war in Gaza rages on with no clear end in sight.
News Agencies