Israel has on Thursday, October 17, 2024, confirmed that Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, is dead, reported Reuters.
The Israeli military released a statement saying that Sinwar “has been eliminated.” According to the statement, Israeli soldiers from the Southern Command killed Hamas leader on Wednesday in an operation in the southern Gaza Strip. His body was identified after conducting DNA and other tests.
Earlier on Thursday, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, announced the death of Sinwar. He said in a statement: “Mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who was responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by (Israeli military) soldiers.”
So far, Hamas has not officially confirmed the death of its leader.
In a recorded video statement, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the Yahya Sinwar was dead, adding that Israel would continue with full force until it returns its hostages from Gaza.
“Today we have settled the score. Today evil has been dealt a blow but our task has still not been completed,” he said.
“To the dear hostage families, I say: this is an important moment in the war. We will continue full force until all your loved ones, our loved ones, are home,” Netanyahu added.
Sinwar is believed to be the mastermind behind Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which has sparked the war in Gaza. He was at the top of Israel’s most wanted list since the beginning of Gaza war.
He became the head of Hamas after the assassination of the group’s previous leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in an explosion in Tehran in July, widely blamed on Israel.
