Checking Possibility Of Yahya Sinwar’s Death In IDF Operation: Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, had been ‘eliminated’. “Sinwar was eliminated, but the mission is not over yet, and we must recover the kidnapped. We have dealt a blow to evil, but the mission is not yet complete,” Netanyahu stated. He further warned, “To those holding the kidnapped, we say: Free them, and we will let you live. Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.” However, Hamas has not responded to the Israeli claims on Sinwar’s assassination yet.
According to the Israeli military, Sinwar was killed on Wednesday night after a yearlong manhunt. Soldiers from the Southern Command reduced his area of activity through dozens of operations over the past year. The military reported that recent intelligence indicated senior Hamas officials were hiding in southern Gaza, where the 828th Brigade was deployed. During operations, the brigade identified and assassinated three fighters, and Sinwar’s body was confirmed at the scene.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that three Hamas activists were eliminated during an operation in Gaza and they are checking the possibility that one of them was Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. The Occupation Force has also claimed that the identity of those who was killed cannot be confirmed at this stage.
“During IDF operations in Gaza, 3 terrorists were eliminated. The IDF and ISA are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists was Yahya Sinwar. At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed. In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area. The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution,” the IDF statement claimed.
Meanwhile, the Israelis has informed the US about investigating the Hamas chief’s possible death. US spy agencies, coordinating with Israeli intelligence since January and August, have come close to locating Hamas hideouts, narrowly missing the chief by mere hours.
US President Joe Biden made a statement on the Israeli claims of killing of the Hamas leader, calling it “a good day” for both nations. President Biden stressed the need to end the war, return hostages, and seize the opportunity for a future Gaza without Hamas. He also urged political efforts toward peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
European leaders reacted to Israel’s claim of killing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling him “the main person responsible” for the October 7 attacks. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani acknowledged Sinwar’s death as part of Israel’s self-defence, hoping it leads to a ceasefire. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described Sinwar as a “brutal murderer,” urging Hamas to release hostages.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson called Sinwar the “embodiment of evil,” saying his death brings “hope and relief” to Israelis. All leaders stressed the need for hostages to be freed and hostilities to end.
Sinwar, who took charge as Hamas chief after Israel assassinated Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in August this year and also alleged to be the architect of the October 7thattack on Israel, has been in Gaza during the 12 months long Israeli genocidal war in the Strip. He is one of the most uncompromising leader of Hamas movement. He has been navigating the military wing of Hamas, al Qassam Brigades against ferocious attacks from Israel. Analysts have observed several times that Hamas is putting a very strong fight, making it extremely difficult for the occupation force to attain their goal of destruction.
