Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the group’s deadly cross-border raids in 2023, has been killed in combat, confirmed Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ deputy chief in Gaza and the group’s chief negotiator, on Friday.
Sinwar’s death, following a series of Israeli assassinations targeting Hamas leaders and commanders, marks a significant setback for the organization, which has been subjected to relentless airstrikes since its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and saw around 250 people taken as hostages to Gaza, complicating the crisis for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has vowed to eliminate Hamas.
Sinwar, known for his ruthless tactics against Palestinians who collaborated with Israel and as a fierce enemy of the Jewish state, was imprisoned for many years by Israel. He was named the group’s top leader on August 6, succeeding former political chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran on July 31.
Sinwar, 62, who was born in a refugee camp in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, was elected as Hamas’ Gaza leader in 2017. Despite multiple Israeli attempts on his life since the war began, he remained in Gaza, orchestrating operations. His death leaves Hamas without one of its most influential leaders following the earlier assassination of Haniyeh.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Sees Opportunity for Ceasefire: In response to Sinwar’s death, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday called for Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah to seize the opportunity for change. “We’ll see how things evolve,” Austin said when questioned about Netanyahu’s resolve to continue fighting. He emphasized that there could be opportunities for a shift in direction, urging all parties, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, to take advantage of it. Austin also reiterated that US forces in the Middle East are ready to support Israel’s defense.
Hamas Official Says Hostages Won’t Return Until Israeli Aggression Stops: Khalil Al-Hayya, deputy chief of Hamas in Gaza, stated on Friday that Israeli hostages held in Gaza would not be released until Israel ends its “aggression” and withdraws its forces from the enclave.
UN Accuses Israeli Settlers of Attacking Palestinian Olive Groves in West Bank: The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) on Friday condemned Israel’s “war-like” tactics against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, highlighting the killing of civilians and attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian olive groves. OCHA reported 32 settler attacks on Palestinians and their property this month, including the killing of a woman harvesting olives in Jenin. About 600 olive trees have been damaged, burnt, or stolen by settlers, the agency reported. The olive harvest is a crucial economic lifeline for many Palestinian families in the West Bank, and the UN is exploring ways to support them.
In total, nine Palestinians, including a child, were killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank between October 8 and 14, according to OCHA. Israel justifies its actions as a response to increased Palestinian attacks.
