The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday evening confirmed the elimination of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar after a year-long manhunt for the mastermind of the October 7 attack.
Ahead of the announcement, some Israeli news outlets verified the death of the Hamas leader and the chief architect of the October 7 massacre.
“Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by the IDF in the Gaza Strip, sources close to the matter confirmed” to the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post.
The Hamas terror chief appears to have died in an IDF operation originally intended to target one of his close associate. “One of the terrorists targeted in the IDF strike in Gaza was Hamas’s Khan Yunis division commander, who Army Radio reported on Thursday has been in close proximity to Sinwar since the start of the war,” the Israel daily added. “According to the Army Radio report, Israel’s confirmation of the division commander’s death is a significant sign that Sinwar was among those killed in the IDF strike.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Thursday evening, announcing the death of Israel’s most-wanted terrorist. The state of Israel had ‘settled account’ with the Hamas chief, but the war on terror which began after October 7, 2023 still continues, he declared.
The Times of Israel published excepts of Netanyahu’s addressed made in Hebrew:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar marks “the beginning of the day after Hamas.”“Hamas will no longer rule Gaza,” Netanyahu promises in a video statement. “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.”Turning to the hostage families, Netanyahu says this is “an important moment” in the war. “We will continue with all our strength until the return of all of your loved ones, who are our loved ones.”Netanyahu then turns to Gazan civilians: “Sinwar ruined your life. He told you he was a lion, but in reality he was hiding in a dark den. And he was killed when he fled in a panic from our soldiers.”“To the Hamas terrorists I say: your leaders are fleeing and they will be eliminated,” he continues.
Prime Minister Netanyahu also offered immunity to anyone in Gaza who hands over hostages to Israel
The top Israel military and national security officials toured the site — presumed to be in the southern Gaza terror stronghold of Rafah — where Sinwar was eliminated.
The Israeli news website YNET reported:
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar visited on Thursday the site in Gaza where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed, accompanied by Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Operations Directorate head Maj. Gen. Oded Basiuk and Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram. Halevi praised the soldiers, saying, “Your professionalism and determination led to this—one year later [after the October 7 massacre], we have settled the score with Sinwar.”
Prior to the IDF announcement, an Israeli forensic probe confirmed the identity of Sinwar.
“The Israeli police forensic unit has completed the identification of the body of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, confirming his death on Thursday evening. The initial identification was made through dental records, and fingerprint analysis has now provided further confirmation,” YNET added.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also confirmed the killing of the top Hamas terrorist. “The elimination of Yahya Sinwar sends a clear message to all the families of the fallen and the families of the hostages – we are doing everything in order to get to those who harmed your loved ones and to free the hostages and return them to their families,” the defense minister said in a short video address.
Minister Gallant also urged the remaining Hamas terrorists to surrender and free the Israeli hostages. “It is also a clear message to the residents of Gaza. The man who brought disaster and death to the Gaza Strip, the man who made you suffer as a result of his murderous actions – the end of this man has come. It is time to go out, release the hostages, [to those involved in fighting] raise your hands, surrender. Go out with the hostages, free them, and surrender,” he asserted.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog hailed the IDF for taking out the key perpetrator of the October 7 atrocities.
The Times of Israel reported:
President Isaac Herzog commends the IDF, Shin Bet and 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.”Sinwar’s “evil endeavors were dedicated to terror, bloodshed, and destabilizing the Middle East,” Herzog states, adding that “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.”
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