GUWAHATI: Israeli ministers have been briefed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed during an Israeli military operation in southern Gaza.
ALSO READ: Guwahati: Heroin Seized In Kachari-Basti, One Apprehended
Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Sinwar’s death and took to X to put out, “Yahya Sinwar is dead. He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it's the beginning of the end.”
Sinwar's death is now a significant victory for Israel’s military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially following recent high-profile assassinations of enemy leaders. Families of the 101 Israeli and foreign hostages still held in Gaza welcomed the news but reiterated their call for an agreement to secure the hostages' release. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), quoting a biblical verse: "‘You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword’ – Leviticus 26." The post included images of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and former Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, both recently assassinated, with a blank space for Sinwar’s image. All were crossed out in red.
Sinwar had been a top target for Israel since he led the October 2023 Hamas attack, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 42,000 people in Gaza, decimated large parts of the territory, and displaced much of the population. Despite Israel’s extensive efforts, Sinwar had managed to avoid capture, likely hiding in Hamas’ intricate tunnel network built over the past two decades.
His death would deal Hamas its most severe blow in the ongoing conflict and could have greater implications than the assassination of former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who had less involvement in military operations. Sinwar, known as the mastermind behind Hamas’ military strategy, held unparalleled influence within the group. His death might open the door to renewed negotiations for a ceasefire to end the violence.
Israel believes it has dismantled Hamas as a structured military force, having killed over 18,000 of its fighters. However, the Israeli military continues to face resistance from small, scattered groups of militants operating amid the ruins of Gaza.