Netanyahu Declares Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar’s Death Marks Turning Point in Gaza Conflict, But War Continues

Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the senior Hamas leader, represents “the beginning of the day after Hamas.”

However, he cautioned that the war in Gaza will not end until Hamas surrenders and releases all hostages still in captivity.

The announcement came as Israeli public figures celebrated the elimination of Sinwar, known as the mastermind behind the October 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israel.

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. pic.twitter.com/C6wAaLH1YW

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 17, 2024

Sinwar was killed during a firefight in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza, alongside two other Hamas militants.

His death, confirmed by Israeli authorities on Thursday, has been hailed as a significant milestone in Israel’s ongoing military offensive against the militant group.

In a video address following the formal confirmation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Netanyahu said the killing of Sinwar should be seen as an opportunity for the people of Gaza to “break free from [Hamas] tyranny.”

He reassured that Hamas would no longer govern Gaza and warned remaining Hamas militants that their leaders were fleeing and would eventually be eliminated.

Killing of Hamas Leader Justifies Israel’s Ongoing Offensive

Netanyahu defended Israel’s extended military campaign in Gaza, particularly its operation in Rafah, where many Hamas fighters had been hiding. He highlighted that the decision to press on in the conflict, despite international pressure to avoid civilian casualties, was validated by the elimination of Sinwar, one of Hamas’ most prominent leaders.

“The killing of Yahya Sinwar makes it clear to our critics why we insisted on entering Rafah, a Hamas stronghold, despite opposition from the international community,” Netanyahu stated.

Earlier, the U.S. and other allies had expressed concerns about possible civilian casualties if Israel pursued an offensive in the southern Gaza region.

However, those fears did not materialize on the scale anticipated.

Netanyahu: Hamas Can End the War by Surrendering

Speaking to the families of the hostages, Netanyahu emphasized that Sinwar’s death was a critical moment in the war. He reaffirmed that the Israeli government would continue its efforts to bring back the hostages. While he acknowledged that freeing the hostages could expedite the end of the war, he warned that the conflict would persist until Hamas fully disarms.

In an English-language statement, Netanyahu asserted, “This war can end tomorrow. It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages.”

Addressing Gaza’s civilians in his Hebrew message, Netanyahu laid the blame for their suffering on Sinwar, who he said had ruined their lives. He described Sinwar as a coward who hid in a bunker and was killed while fleeing Israeli soldiers.

Israel Offers Protection for Surrendering Hamas Fighters

Netanyahu also extended an offer of protection to Hamas operatives who release hostages and surrender. However, he warned that anyone who harmed hostages would face harsh retribution.

“Whoever harms our hostages, his blood will be on his head. We will come to a reckoning with him,” Netanyahu stated.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed Netanyahu’s message, confirming Sinwar’s death and labeling him a “vile murderer” who died while fleeing, not as a commander. Gallant also issued a warning to Gaza residents and Hamas operatives, urging them to lay down their weapons, release the hostages, and surrender.

Israel Reaffirms Commitment to Hostage Families

Both Netanyahu and Gallant reassured the families of the hostages and those bereaved by the Hamas attacks that Israel is committed to securing justice. They emphasized that Israel’s military efforts would not cease until every hostage is returned and those responsible for the attacks are held accountable.

Sinwar’s death is seen as a significant blow to Hamas leadership, but Israeli officials have made it clear that the conflict is far from over. As Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, the fate of the hostages and the future of the region remain uncertain.