Israel declared that its forces had killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar in a Gaza operation, striking a severe blow to the group amidst ongoing conflicts since the October 7, 2023, attack.
The Israeli military confirmed that, following a year-long pursuit, their operation in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday successfully targeted Sinwar, the leader of Hamas.
Hamas has not yet confirmed Sinwar’s death. Israel holds Sinwar accountable for orchestrating the October 7 attack, the deadliest in Israeli history and has been actively seeking him since the Gaza war commenced.
He ascended within Hamas, eventually becoming its leader in Gaza and then its overall head after the July assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Israel’s announcement follows closely after the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, where Israel has been engaged in military actions since late September.
Earlier in the year, Israel reported the killing of Mohammed Deif, Hamas’s military chief, although Hamas has not confirmed his death. Deif was implicated, alongside Sinwar, in planning the October 7 attack.
More than a year into the Gaza war, with Hamas significantly weakened, Sinwar’s death could critically undermine the organization.
Before confirming Sinwar’s death, the Israeli military reported that three terrorists were eliminated during operations in the Gaza Strip, with Sinwar possibly among them. An Israeli security official noted that DNA testing was underway to verify if one of the bodies was Sinwar’s.
Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated on X that Israel would continue to target and eliminate terrorists.
Read: Yahya Sinwar Missing: Israel Investigates Possible Death of Hamas Leader
As the conflict extends on multiple fronts, Israel remains engaged with Hamas since the October 7 attack, which resulted in substantial casualties. Israel’s campaign in Gaza has led to significant civilian deaths, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run territory, data which the UN finds credible.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to decimate Hamas and secure the release of all hostages taken during the cross-border attacks. While some hostages remain, Israel has expanded its military operations to Lebanon and Syria, confronting Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups. This escalation raises concerns about a potential regional conflict.
Read: Israel Vows to Eliminate Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar
Iran has warned of severe repercussions if Israel strikes Iranian targets amidst ongoing hostilities that have included a missile strike by Iran on Israel. The war has had devastating effects on civilian populations, with extensive casualties reported in Lebanon and severe humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza.
