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Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Declared Dead after Israeli Military Operation in Gaza

Gabrielle Sellitti

After an Israeli military operation targeted at Hamas took place, Yahya Sinwar, the group’s leader in Gaza, has been declared dead. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday that this operation took place on October 16 after a year-long pursuit by Israeli forces and the Sin Bet intelligence agency.

Yahya Sinwar, also known as the "Butcher of Khan Younis," was known for his brutal methods of torture to Israelis and Palestinians. Sinwar, 61, rose to infamy after his involvement in the deadly massacre on October 7. This attack involved thousands of Hamas militants, including the killing and taking hostage of innocent Israeli civilians.

The IDF reported that Sinwar was found hiding among civilians in Gaza, using underground tunnels as a refuge. In a recent raid, soldiers engaged a group of suspected militants who fled into a building. After a tank shell collapsed the structure, soldiers found three bodies inside. 

Sinwar was later identified among the dead. The IDF confirmed the elimination of Sinwar on their X account, stating, "Eliminated: Yahya Sinwar."

Sinwar's death was also officially announced in a joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation a pivotal moment, saying that Hamas suffered a "heavy blow," though he warned the conflict in Gaza is far from over. "Hamas will no longer rule Gaza," Netanyahu said, adding, "This is the beginning of the day after Hamas, and this is an opportunity for you, the residents of Gaza, to finally break free from its tyranny."

Netanyahu described Sinwar's final moments, saying, "He ran away in fear from our soldiers," and celebrated the development, remarking that "the darkness has been retreating and the light has been rising."

Reaction from Israeli and U.S. Officials

Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed Sinwar's death, calling him the "master murderer" behind the October 7 massacre. U.S. officials were also informed, with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin receiving a note on Sinwar's death during a NATO Defense Ministerial meeting.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the operation, saying, "Justice has once again been served by the brave men and women of the Israeli military." Johnson urged the U.S. government to coordinate with Israel to "apply maximum pressure" on Iran, which he called the head of the terror network.

Senator Lindsey Graham also applauded Israel's efforts, describing the elimination of Sinwar as "a mighty blow" to both Hamas and its regional backers, including Iran.

Photo Credit: ©X/MSNBC