On October 17, Israeli forces eliminated Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, a development confirmed by Hamas within 24 hours. Following Sinwar’s death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant statement, declaring that accountability has been served for the man responsible for the horrific massacre in Israel a year ago. Sinwar had led the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. Since then, Israel had been actively searching for Sinwar, and his elimination has been hailed as a success for their mission.
In response to Sinwar’s death, Hamas has expressed outrage. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior political leader in Hamas, stated that they would not release Israeli hostages until a ceasefire is established in Gaza.
Who Was Yahya Sinwar?
Yahya Sinwar was the top leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip and is considered the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks. Over the past year of conflict, more than 42,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives. Sinwar, who spent nearly 24 years in Israeli prison, became a powerful figure in Gaza after being released as part of a prisoner swap deal that saw 1,027 Palestinian prisoners freed in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Known for his close ties to Iran, Sinwar was at the top of Israel’s target list.
How Was Sinwar Killed?
Sinwar was not killed in a planned operation; instead, Israeli forces had been patrolling the area for several weeks. Intelligence indicated Sinwar’s presence during an operation by the 828th Brigade in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. After a brief encounter with three militants, it was discovered that one of the deceased resembled Sinwar. To confirm the identity and prevent any deception, a finger from the body was sent for forensic analysis. The Israeli military later retrieved Sinwar’s body and secured the area. During the operation, Sinwar was found with a weapon, a flak jacket, and around 40,000 shekels (approximately ₹90,000).
Hezbollah’s Threat
Following Sinwar’s death, Hezbollah issued a warning to Israel, stating that it was entering a new and more aggressive phase of conflict. Iran also commented that Sinwar’s death would strengthen the resistance movement.
Israel’s Stance
In light of Sinwar’s death, Israel made a big announcement saying that it is ready to stop the war, but for this Hamas will have to return the Israeli hostages.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the people of Gaza, said that the war would end tomorrow if Hamas agreed to return Israeli hostages and lay down their arms..Netanyahu further said that Hamas had killed 101 people in Gaza. Held hostage. These include citizens of 23 countries including Israel.. Israel is committed to bringing them all back.. He also said that Israel guarantees the safety of those who return the hostages..Netanyahu further said that Nasrallah is gone, Mohsin was killed, Hania, Deef and Sinwar were killed. The reign of terror that Iran has imposed on itself and the people of Syria, Lebanon and Yemen will soon end… He said that people who want peace and a better future in the Middle East should unite…
Hamas Announces New Leader
Following Sinwar’s confirmation of death, Hamas appointed Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader. Al-Hayya, who has been residing in Qatar, is known for having lost his entire family in an Israeli airstrike in 2007. Earlier this year, he expressed a willingness to agree to a long-term ceasefire with Israel if an independent Palestinian state were established.
In the wake of Sinwar’s death, families of hostages in Israel hold onto hope for a potential ceasefire, which could lead to their loved ones’ safe return. Global leaders also anticipate an end to the conflict in Gaza; however, with Israel’s firm stance that hostages must be released before any ceasefire is negotiated, the situation remains tense. The future trajectory of this conflict remains uncertain as developments unfold.
