Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip signifies the “beginning of the end” of the ongoing war in the region. He referred to Sinwar’s death as an “important landmark in the decline of the evil rule of Hamas.”
The Israeli military confirmed that Sinwar was eliminated in an operation in southern Gaza after an extensive manhunt. While Hamas has not verified his death, Netanyahu emphasized that, although this is not the conclusion of the conflict, it represents a pivotal moment.
Sinwar, who became Hamas’s overall leader after the death of its political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, was said to have orchestrated the October 7 attack, the deadliest in Israeli history, resulting in 1,206 deaths, primarily among civilians.
The announcement of Sinwar’s death follows Israel’s recent assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. With Hamas already weakened after more than a year of conflict, Sinwar’s killing is viewed as a significant blow to the organization.
U.S. President Joe Biden described the event as a “good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world,” highlighting the potential for a future without Hamas in power and a political settlement benefiting both Israelis and Palestinians.
Yahya Sinwar is dead.
He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.
While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it’s the beginning of the end. pic.twitter.com/C6wAaLH1YW
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 17, 2024
The Context of the Conflict
During the October 7 attack, militants captured 251 hostages, with 97 still held in Gaza, including 34 believed to have died. Following the assault, Netanyahu pledged to defeat Hamas and ensure the return of all hostages. Israeli military actions in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 42,000 fatalities, predominantly among civilians.
Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi remarked on settling the score with Sinwar, who was responsible for the October 7 massacre. He vowed to continue operations until all terrorists involved are captured and hostages are returned.
Some Israelis celebrated Sinwar’s death as a hopeful sign, while others called for leveraging this moment to secure the hostages’ return. However, concerns remain regarding the safety of the hostages, with military historian Guy Aviad cautioning that this event does not signify the end of the war.
Ongoing Military Operations
The Israeli military indicated that Sinwar was killed during a firefight in Rafah, southern Gaza, while being monitored by a drone. Footage purportedly shows his final moments as he engaged with the drone.
As civilian casualties mount in Gaza, Israel faces criticism for its military operations, including from the U.S. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with nearly the entire Gazan population living in poverty.
Meanwhile, the conflict extends into Lebanon, where Hezbollah has intensified cross-border attacks, prompting significant displacement of Israelis. The ongoing war has claimed at least 1,418 lives in Lebanon, with the toll likely higher.
Iran has expressed that Sinwar’s death will only strengthen regional resistance efforts.
