Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas, has been killed by Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza. Sinwar, who led Hamas since 2017, was deemed responsible for the October 7 attacks that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the killing as the “beginning of the end” of the year-long war.
Sinwar was among three militants killed in Rafah. Israel confirmed his death after verifying dental records and fingerprints. Netanyahu vowed to continue efforts to bring home remaining hostages, saying the conflict could end “tomorrow” if Hamas lays down arms.
Reactions poured in, with US President Joe Biden congratulating Netanyahu, calling it a “good day” for Israel, the US, and the world. Former CIA director David Petraeus deemed Sinwar’s death “bigger” than Osama Bin Laden’s. World leaders weighed in, with some seeing the killing as an opportunity for peace, while others warned of a new phase in the conflict.
The Gaza health ministry reports nearly 42,500 killed and 99,000 injured in the conflict. 101 hostages are still held in Gaza. Families of American hostages urged all parties to seize the opportunity to bring them home.
