Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, responsible for orchestrating the devastating October 7 attack on Israel, has been killed by Israeli forces, Israel's Foreign Minister has confirmed.
The death of Sinwar, who was described as a "mass murderer" by Israel Katz, comes as Israeli forces continue their military operations against Hamas in Gaza.
"Mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who was responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers," Katz said in an official statement.
Sinwar's death was verified through DNA testing, according to Israeli officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the death, stating that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had delivered a "blow to evil" with Sinwar’s elimination.
However, he cautioned that the mission against Hamas is far from complete.
"The fight continues, and we will not stop until Hamas is completely dismantled," Netanyahu added.
The October 7 assault, one of the deadliest in Israel's history, left 1,200 Israelis dead and sent shockwaves across the region.
The attack plunged the Middle East into further turmoil, leading to escalated military operations in Gaza and across the Palestinian territories.
Earlier today, Israeli forces announced the killing of three more Hamas terrorists during an operation in Gaza. While combing the building where they were found, Israeli forces reported no signs of hostages.
"The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution," the IDF emphasised, underscoring their careful approach.
The search for Sinwar had been an extensive, year-long manhunt, with Israeli intelligence, special forces, and surveillance experts working tirelessly to locate and eliminate the Hamas leader.
Sinwar had risen to prominence within Hamas, particularly after being selected to succeed Ismail Haniyeh in August.
Sinwar’s involvement with Hamas dates back to his recruitment by the group’s founder, Sheik Ahmed Yassin.
A leader of Hamas’s internal security unit, Al Majd, Sinwar gained notoriety for targeting those suspected of collaborating with Israel.
He was arrested in 1988 and imprisoned for killing four Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israeli forces, spending over two decades in an Israeli prison before being released in a 2011 prisoner swap.
Sinwar, who had advocated for armed conflict over diplomatic efforts, had long been considered a key figure in Hamas's military operations.
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