Israel confirms killing of Hamas leader Sinwar in Gaza operation
Israeli military confirms Hamas leader Yahya Sinwarʼs death in Gaza operation. DNA analysis verifies identity; killed above ground in Rafah. Event sparks celebrations in Israel reactions worldwide
Israeli forces have killed Yahya Sinwar‚ Hamas leader and mastermind of the Oct 7 attacks its been confirmed. The military announced on 10/17/24 that DNA tests verified Sinwars identity after he was killed in a firefight near Rafah‚ Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation‚ calling Sinwar “the arch-terrorist who killed thousands of Israelis and kidnapped hundreds of our citizens.“ The news spread on Sukkotʼs first day‚ leading to celebrations across Israel: beachgoers in Tel Aviv cheered; families of fallen soldiers danced with photos of their loved ones.
Joe Biden stated‚ “This is a good day for Israel‚ the United States‚ and the world.“ Jake Sullivan highlighted U.S.-Israeli cooperation in tracking Hamas leaders. However‚ some experts suggest Sinwars death might change cease-fire talks and military strategy dynamics.
In Gaza reactions were mixed. One resident (speaking anonymously) said‚ “Many citizens are happy about his death. They believe he played a significant role in the destruction in Gaza.“ However‚ Najwa Awaja a 39-year-old mother expressed hope for the wars end regardless of Sinwars fate.
Despite the milestone‚ Israeli leaders indicated the conflict isnt over. Netanyahu stated‚ “The war my dear ones has not yet ended‚“ while Benny Gantz posted that the IDF will continue operations in Gaza “for years to come.“
Hostage families gathered in Tel Aviv‚ using the occasion to renew calls for negotiations. Deborah Galili 43‚ said‚ “I think the war should have ended a long time ago‚ but lets end the war now. This is a milestone; lets bring the hostages home now‚ lets end the suffering of the Palestinians and the Israelis and hostage families.“
The Hamas chiefs death came after a year-long campaign to crush the group. Intelligence agencies believed Sinwar lived in Gazas tunnel network often near hostages. His elimination‚ compared to the U.S. pursuit of Osama Bin Laden occurred in an unplanned encounter as Israeli forces intensified operations in southern Gaza
