Tel Aviv: In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas chief and mastermind behind the October 7 attacks, during a recent address. In a message directed at the people of Gaza, Netanyahu asserted that the conflict could conclude as soon as tomorrow, provided Hamas agrees to lay down its arms and return the hostages.
In a video shared on X, Netanyahu stated, “Yahya Sinwar is dead. He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israeli defense forces. While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it’s the beginning of the end. To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message—this war can end tomorrow. It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday that Sinwar, along with two other militants, had been eliminated. Netanyahu emphasized that Hamas is currently holding 101 hostages in Gaza, representing citizens from 23 different countries, including Israel.
“Hamas is holding 101 hostages in Gaza who are citizens of 23 countries, including many other nations. Israel is committed to doing everything in our power to bring all of them home. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages,” he affirmed.
Issuing a stern warning to those involved in holding Israeli hostages, Netanyahu vowed that Israel would relentlessly pursue them. “To those who would harm our hostages, I have another message—Israel will hunt you down and bring you to justice.”
Netanyahu’s remarks extended beyond Hamas, highlighting the recent elimination of key Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah. He stated that the Iranian regime’s reign of terror across various nations will also come to an end. “Nasrallah is gone, his deputy Mohsen is gone, Haniyeh is gone, Deif is gone, Sinwar is gone. The reign of terror that the Iranian regime has imposed on its own people and on the peoples of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen will too come to an end,” he declared.
He urged those seeking peace and prosperity in the Middle East to unite in building a better future, saying, “Together, we can push back the forces of darkness and create a future of light and hope for all of us.”
The backdrop of these statements comes after Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, where approximately 2,500 militants breached the border, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, including citizens from more than 30 countries, and taking over 250 hostages. In response, Israel has initiated a robust counter-offensive in Gaza, vowing to “completely eliminate” Hamas.
However, the escalating civilian toll has raised global concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in the Strip, prompting calls from the United Nations and other nations for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and increased assistance for civilians in Gaza.
