Israel announced on Thursday that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, was killed, calling it a �heavy blow� to the Palestinian group.
According to the Israeli military, Sinwar was eliminated in an operation in southern Gaza on Wednesday after a year-long pursuit.
Although Hamas has yet to confirm his death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Sinwar�s death marked a significant defeat for Hamas, though the conflict is far from over.
Netanyahu referred to it as an �important milestone in Hamas� downfall.�
Foreign Minister Israel Katz labeled Sinwar a �mass murderer� responsible for the October 7 massacre, while President Isaac Herzog praised the killing of the militant behind the attack.
Sinwar, accused of planning the deadliest assault in Israel�s history, had been Israel�s target since the Gaza war began. He rose through Hamas ranks to lead the group after the death of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in July.
Israel�s announcement follows the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah weeks earlier and the deaths of several other Iran-backed commanders.
US President Joe Biden, backing Israel, called the day a significant victory for Israel and a potential opportunity for a political settlement in Gaza.
Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi vowed to continue efforts to capture all those involved in the October 7 attack and bring hostages home.
Sinwar�s death could signal a turning point in Gaza, according to Israeli officials, potentially reshaping the conflict�s dynamics.
However, experts caution that Hamas� rule over Gaza remains intact, and the hostages still face significant risks.
Israel�s broader military campaign has expanded into Lebanon, where Hezbollah has launched cross-border strikes.
The conflict in Lebanon has already claimed 1,373 lives since the war�s escalation in late September.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, airstrikes have continued, leading to further civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The UN and international observers warn of a growing crisis as winter approaches, with hundreds of thousands in Gaza facing extreme hunger and poverty.
