By William J. Furney
Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, has been killed by Israeli forces, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group. Sinwar, described by Israel, the US, and the UK as the orchestrator of the October 7 attacks that left 1,200 people dead and saw 251 hostages taken, was located and killed in a targeted operation in southern Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Sinwar’s death on Wednesday, saying he was among three Hamas militants killed in the Rafah area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the operation, calling it the “beginning of the end” of the war in Gaza, which has been raging for over a year.
Key Figure in Hamas
Sinwar had been the leader of Hamas in Gaza since 2017, taking on a more significant role after the death of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political leader, in Tehran earlier this year. Known for his hardline stance and strategic role in Hamas’s operations, Sinwar was a pivotal figure in orchestrating attacks against Israel, including the deadly assault on October 7. Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said Sinwar’s death sent a clear message: “He didn’t die as a commander, but as someone who only cared for himself.”
Sinwar had spent decades in Israeli prisons before his release in 2011 as part of a prisoner swap for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. That gave Israeli authorities access to Sinwar’s genetic data, allowing them to confirm his death through dental records and fingerprints after several hours of verification.
The Final Moments
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari detailed the circumstances leading up to Sinwar’s death. He described how Israeli soldiers sighted three gunmen running from house to house in Rafah. After coming under fire, the militants split up, and Sinwar entered a building alone. Drones observed him inside, where he reportedly threw a piece of wood at one of the unmanned aircraft before Israeli soldiers stormed the building, finding him armed and in possession of a vest and 40,000 shekels ($10,700).
The operation came after months of relentless pursuit of Sinwar, whom Israeli authorities have long held responsible for directing some of the group’s deadliest actions. Lt Col Hertzi Halevi, chief of the IDF, said, “We said we would get to him, and we did get to him. The world is now better off without him.”
International Reaction
The killing of Sinwar has drawn praise from several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who called it “a good day for Israel, the United States and for the world.” Speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Biden added that Sinwar’s death reaffirmed that “no terrorists anywhere in the world can escape justice”.
Former CIA Director David Petraeus, speaking on BBC Radio 4, said Sinwar’s elimination was “bigger” than that of Osama bin Laden, highlighting the operational and symbolic significance of the event. “This is a hugely symbolic and operational victory for Israel,” Petraeus said, noting that Sinwar had been the overall leader of Hamas and a key figure in its military strategy.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed similar sentiments, saying the UK would “not mourn” Sinwar’s death and reiterating the need for the immediate release of all hostages still held by Hamas. He called for renewed efforts towards achieving long-term peace in the region.
While Israel celebrates this as a major victory, some fear that Sinwar’s death could escalate tensions further. Iran, a major backer of Hamas, condemned the killing, with its mission to the United Nations posting on X (formerly Twitter) that Sinwar’s death would only strengthen “the spirit of resistance”. The statement described Sinwar as “a model for the youth and children who will carry forward his path toward the liberation of Palestine”.
Future of Hamas Leadership Uncertain
Hamas has yet to comment officially on Sinwar’s death, and there is no indication of who will step into his shoes as the leader of the group. With Sinwar gone, Hamas has now lost two of its top leaders this year, raising questions about the future direction of the group and its ability to continue its operations.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has already led to devastating casualties on both sides. The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, claims that nearly 42,500 people have been killed in the fighting, although it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Over 99,000 people have been injured, with large swathes of Gaza destroyed by Israeli bombardments.
More than 100 hostages remain in Gaza, many of them Israeli and international citizens. Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s determination to continue the fight until all hostages are freed. Addressing the families of the captives, he said, “We will continue with all our might until we bring every one of your loved ones home, as they are our loved ones too.”
A Turning Point in the Conflict
Sinwar’s killing marks a major milestone in Israel’s campaign to dismantle Hamas, a group it has vowed to destroy following the brutal October attacks. Netanyahu, in his address to the Israeli people, said: “Hamas will no longer control Gaza. This is the beginning of the day after Hamas, and it is an opportunity for the residents of Gaza to finally free themselves from its tyranny.”
- Image: File.