In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, the Palestinian militant group confirmed the death of its leader, Yahya Sinwar, on Friday. The announcement, delivered by Hamas’s deputy leader and chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya, came almost a day after Israel declared Sinwar had been killed in a drone strike in Gaza.
In a video statement released to Al Jazeera, Al-Hayya mourned the death of Sinwar, calling him a “great leader” and a “martyred brother.” He declared that Sinwar’s death would only strengthen the group’s resolve, turning into a “curse on the occupiers.”
Al-Hayya also emphasized that Hamas would not release the Israeli hostages until Israel ends its military operations in Gaza, completely withdraws from the territory, and releases all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. This uncompromising stance further complicates the already fragile negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release.
Earlier on Friday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released a video that purportedly showed the moment of Sinwar’s death. The footage showed Sinwar attempting to ward off an Israeli drone by throwing a stick at it.
Sinwar, widely considered the mastermind behind the October 7 attack on Israel, was a prominent figure in the conflict. His death has been met with reactions from world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who expressed condolences.
The confirmation of Sinwar’s death adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict. With Sinwar’s demise, pressure has intensified on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war and secure the return of the hostages. However, with Hamas’s resolute stance, the path to a peaceful resolution remains unclear.