Netanyahu stated that the death of the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, which sparked the war in Gaza, signifies the "beginning of the end."
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed by Israeli forces, concluding a year-long pursuit of the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that ignited the war in Gaza.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed the reports on Thursday, sending messages to international counterparts. Shortly after, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Sinwar had been "eliminated."
This development represents a significant victory for the Israeli military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a series of high-profile assassinations of enemy leaders in recent months. In a televised address, Netanyahu declared, “Today we have settled the score,” referring to Sinwar's death as the "beginning of the end." He emphasized that this outcome serves as a warning to those who threaten Israel and reiterated the ongoing nature of the conflict, noting its high costs.
Netanyahu addressed Israeli citizens, acknowledging the challenges ahead and urging the country to "stand firm" and continue fighting. He reaffirmed Israel's commitment to utilizing "all our strength" to bring home hostages still held in Gaza.
The IDF later confirmed that Sinwar was among three militants killed in the same incident, which reportedly took place in Tel Sultan, a neighborhood in Rafah, Gaza, on Wednesday. Drones and troops discovered the bodies, which were taken to Israel for DNA and dental testing.
Israeli media reported that Sinwar's death occurred "by chance" rather than through intelligence operations, noting that the bodies were found alongside cash, weapons, and fake IDs. Graphic images from the scene showed what appeared to be Sinwar's body, clad in fatigues, with severe injuries.
There has been no immediate response from Hamas regarding Sinwar's death. Israeli Channel 12 reported that an infantry battalion, supported by a tank unit, engaged a group of men fleeing into a building, leading to an attack that buried the bodies under rubble.
The implications of Sinwar's killing for Israel's campaign in Gaza remain unclear. Analysts suggest that Israel may be preparing for a prolonged military occupation of the territory.
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