'War is Far From Over,' says Netanyahu Whilst Confirming Sinwar's Death

Jerusalem: Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Thursday confirmed the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, during a recent operation in Southern Gaza. The announcement comes after an investigation into the identities of three terrorists killed in a fierce battle in the region. 

Yahya Sinwar Killed, Confirms Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Confirming the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in a national address said, “I stand before you to inform you that Yahya Sinwar has been eliminated. Today, we have shown what happens to those who oppose us; our mission is far from over, and we must recover the captives.”

“Today, evil took a heavy blow — the mission ahead of us is still unfinished," Netanyahu said. Netanyahu added that Sinwar was “a mass murderer who killed thousands of Israelis and kidnapped hundreds of our citizens”. 

"Today signifies the beginning of a new chapter following Hamas, but the war is far from over," he added. He went on to say that in Lebanon, Gaza and Middle East, light is prevailing over darkness. “We will continue with full force until the hostages are returned,” he stated. 

“To those holding the kidnapped, we say, free them and we will let you live”, Netanyahu said. “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza,” the Israeli PM declared. 

What IDF's said on Yahya Sinwar 

“Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Hamas terrorist organization who was responsible for planning and executing the October 7th Massacre, has been eliminated,” a statement from IDF reads. 

Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visits site where Sinwar was killed

Meanwhile, according to local reports, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi is visiting the site in southern Gaza where Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed.  

‘Time to surrender,’ says Israeli Defence Minister to Hamas

According to a report from the NY Times, the Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that “The time has come for you to emerge, release the hostages, raise your hands, and surrender.” He added that Israel has “closed its accounts with Hamas”. 

Israeli President commends IDF

Israel's President Isaac Herzog has commended the IDF and Shin Bet. 

“I commend the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet, and the security services for eliminating the arch-terrorist Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar, the mastermind behind the deadly October 7th attack, has for years been responsible for heinous acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians, citizens of other countries, and the murder of thousands of innocent people. His evil endeavors were dedicated to terror, bloodshed, and destabilizing the Middle East.  Now, more than ever, we must act in every way possible to bring back the 101 hostages who are still being held in horrific conditions by Hamas terrorists in Gaza,” a statement from him reads. 

According to a report from Times of Israel, the Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has also confirmed Sinwar's death, in a message to foreign counterparts. 

“The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers. This is a great military and moral achievement for Israel and a victory for the entire free world against the evil axis of radical Islam led by Iran," his statement reads. 

The official Twitter account of the state of Israel has also confirmed Sinwar's death. A post on X by the state of Israel reads “Justice has been served”. 

What the killing of Yahya Sinwar means for Israel-Hamas war

This significant development marks a pivotal moment in Israel's ongoing efforts to combat Hamas and reduce the group's operational leadership. 

The IDF has stated that the operation was conducted with careful consideration, noting that there were no hostages in the vicinity at the time of the strike. Previous reports had suggested that Sinwar might have been hiding among hostages, potentially using them as human shields. However, the IDF has confirmed that this was not the case during this operation.

The elimination of Sinwar is seen as a crucial blow to Hamas, which has faced increasing military pressure from Israel in recent months. 

Amir Ohana , Speaker of the Knesset has urged Hamas fighters to lay down their weapons. “A year ago he was victorious. Now he is eliminated. Where will you be in a year? Return the hostages, put down your weapons, save your lives," he said. 

As news of Sinwar's death spreads, reactions are expected from various political and military leaders in the region, with potential implications for future hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The IDF remains on high alert as it continues its operations in Gaza and assesses the ongoing security situation.

Is this the end of war?

No. As the Israeli PM said, the “war is far from over”. Benny Gantz, the cheif of National Unity and former War Cabinet Minister has also stated that Sinwar's death is an important achievement but it doesn't mark the end of the war. He added that the IDF will continue to operation in Gaza for years to come.