WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has been killed. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed his death Thursday afternoon. He’s been the number one target for Israel since Hamas launched last year’s October 7th attack. It’s unclear how this will impact the ceasefire negotiations and releasing hostages still held in Gaza.
The IDF earlier stated during an operation in Gaza three terrorists were eliminated, one of them potentially was Sinwar. The White House said DNA tests confirmed it was him.
Sinwar, who was born in a refugee camp and spent years in an Israeli prison was the leader of the Iran-backed militant group Hamas. Congressional members on both sides of the aisle describe Sinwar as evil.
“I think this is a great day for the Israeli people, for the American people, for all freedom loving people in the world,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY). “This was the criminal mastermind behind the heinous attacks of October 7th and these were some of the most horrific actions taken in world history. Just horror that the world should never see again and this man was responsible for it and I hope he rots in hell.”
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has said time after time that their goal is to destroy Hamas completely.
“This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “And it must end such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends. And the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self determination.”
“Hopefully with Hamas decapitated there’s not hopefully another savage to come behind Sinwar and this can end this period but its going to be incumbent upon Hamas and the people of Gaza to insist on that because they have suffered,” said Rep. Langworthy. “War is a terrible thing.”
Families of the hostages hope that Sinwar’s death will release the hostages still held in Gaza.