Israeli forces launch raids in Gaza following death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

Israeli military operations intensified in Gaza on Friday, following the targeted killing of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, marking a significant development in Israel’s ongoing campaign against the militant group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Sinwar’s death, stating it was “the beginning of the end” of the war initiated by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.

He described Sinwar as the mastermind behind the deadliest assault in Israeli history, calling his killing an “important landmark in the decline of the evil rule of Hamas.”

U.S. President Joe Biden, a key supporter of Israel, remarked, “This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world.” He noted that this moment presents an opportunity for a future in Gaza without Hamas and for a political resolution benefiting both Israelis and Palestinians.

Read also: Two DSS agents drag SERAP to Court, seek N5bn damages for alleged defamation

The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 individuals, predominantly civilians, and saw militants take 251 hostages, with 97 still held in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead, according to Israeli officials. Despite Sinwar’s killing, Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza continued, with reports of multiple raids overnight.

The Israeli military announced ongoing operations in Jabalia, where strikes on Thursday resulted in at least 14 fatalities, as reported by two local hospitals. A UN-backed assessment indicated that approximately 345,000 Gazans are facing “catastrophic” levels of hunger this winter.

As civilian casualties in Gaza rise, Israel has faced mounting criticism over its military actions, including from the United States. According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, Israeli operations have resulted in 42,438 deaths, with the majority being civilians—a figure considered reliable by the UN.

Military chief Herzi Halevi reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to pursuing “all the terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre” and securing the release of hostages.

Some Israelis viewed Sinwar’s death as a turning point. “I am celebrating the death of Sinwar, who has brought us nothing but harm, who has taken people hostage,” said Hemda, an Israeli woman. At a rally in Tel Aviv advocating for the release of hostages, 60-year-old Sisil expressed that Sinwar’s killing offered a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for a hostage deal to end the conflict.

Netanyahu’s office reported a phone call from Biden congratulating him on the operation, with both leaders agreeing to seize “an opportunity to promote the release of the hostages.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum called for the Israeli government and international mediators to leverage this development to ensure the return of hostages.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now