JERUSALEM. Israeli forces have reportedly killed Yahya Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader and one of the key figures behind last year’s deadly attack on Israel. The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that Sinwar, who had been their most-wanted target, was found dead during an operation in Gaza. According to military officials, Israeli troops unknowingly encountered him during a battle in the southern city of Rafah and later discovered his identity in the rubble of a collapsed building.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the killing of Sinwar as a critical moment in Israel’s campaign against Hamas. “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the start of the day after Hamas,” Netanyahu declared, urging the militant group to surrender and release the approximately 100 hostages still being held in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel’s military efforts would continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is disarmed.
Sinwar, who had led Hamas in the Gaza Strip for years, was a central figure in the planning of the October 7, 2023 attack, in which Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 others. Israel’s retaliation has resulted in widespread destruction across Gaza and the loss of over 42,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. While the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, it reported that more than half of the casualties were women and children.
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism that Sinwar’s death could pave the way for peace, stating, “This opens the door for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” Biden also noted plans to discuss a path forward with Netanyahu to bring hostages home and end the war.
Despite this major blow to Hamas, experts warn that the death of its leader may not mark the end of the group’s resilience. “After the leader, a thousand leaders will come. After the man, a thousand men will come,” said Ahmed Hamdouna, a Palestinian refugee displaced from northern Gaza. Hamas, supported by Iran, has endured previous losses of key figures without collapsing.
The Israeli military shared footage of Sinwar’s final moments, which allegedly show him in a heavily damaged room, attempting to hide his identity. Military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that Sinwar was found with a bulletproof vest, grenades, and a significant amount of cash. His identity was confirmed through dental records, fingerprints, and DNA testing.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, addressing Hamas fighters, urged them to surrender: “It is time to go out, release the hostages, raise your hands, surrender.” Netanyahu also assured that those who lay down their arms and assist in the return of hostages would be allowed to leave Gaza safely.
As news of Sinwar’s death spread, hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of hostages. Some, however, expressed fear over potential retaliation. “I’m scared about the 101 hostages… They might murder them or do something because of the murder of Sinwar,” said Ifat Kalderon, whose cousin is being held captive in Gaza.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, sentiments were mixed. Umm Mohammed, a Palestinian woman displaced by the conflict, hoped Sinwar’s death would signal the end of Israel’s military campaign, pleading, “What more goals do they have than that? Enough. We want to go back.”
Despite these hopes, the conflict continues to rage. Israeli forces remain engaged in ground operations in Jabaliya refugee camp, targeting what they describe as regrouping Hamas fighters. Strikes have also continued to hit civilian areas, including a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Jabaliya, which killed at least 28 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel maintains that it targets militants with precision, though civilian casualties remain a tragic consequence of the ongoing war.
With Sinwar’s death, Israel has struck a heavy blow against Hamas, but the road to peace appears uncertain, as the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
