Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced late Thursday that the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar marks the “beginning of the end” of the war in Gaza. He emphasized that hostilities will continue until the remaining 97 hostages taken by Hamas since October 7 are returned.
The Israeli military confirmed Sinwar’s death following a targeted operation in southern Gaza. While Hamas has yet to confirm his death, Sinwar was considered the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that escalated the conflict. The U.S. has described Sinwar’s elimination as a positive development for ceasefire negotiations, indicating his role as a major obstacle in the mediation process.