Israel Kills Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar, Marking Major Victory in Ongoing Conflict

Washington, October 18 – Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully eliminated their most wanted adversary, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, in Gaza on Thursday as part of an ongoing military operation. Sinwar, who led the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel last year, was at the top of Israel's hit list. While Israel has claimed this as a significant step in avenging those attacks, the fight will continue until all hostages are freed.

US President Joe Biden reacted to Sinwar’s death, calling it "a good day for the entire world." He added that DNA tests confirmed Sinwar’s death, marking it as a positive moment for Israel, the US, and global security. Biden emphasized that this event presents a valuable opportunity for the release of Israeli hostages and could pave the way to ending the Gaza conflict, which has been ongoing for over a year. US Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, stating that Sinwar's death was a necessary step for peace. She added, “The man responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent lives is no longer a threat, and this creates an opening to bring the war in Gaza to a close.”

Israel announced Sinwar’s death on Thursday night. Both Israel and the US have held Sinwar responsible for orchestrating the deadly Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of approximately 250 others.

It’s important to note that Sinwar took over as the head of Hamas after the death of leader Ismail Haniyeh in an Israeli operation in Tehran this past July. Born in 1962 in Khan Yunis, Gaza, Sinwar grew up in a refugee camp. He was one of the founding members of Hamas when the group formed in 1987. Known for his ruthlessness, Sinwar earned the nickname "the Butcher of Khan Yunis" after killing 12 of his associates on suspicion of betrayal.