Hamas confirms Yahya Sinwar’s death, says won’t free hostages till Gaza war ends

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the group’s cross-border raids in 2023 — the deadliest day in Israel’s history — has been killed in combat, according to Khalil Al-Hayya, deputy chief of Hamas in Gaza and the group’s chief negotiator.

Sinwar’s death comes after Israel’s targeted killings of other Hamas leaders and commanders, marking a significant blow to the group, which has endured relentless airstrikes since its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. That assault left 1,200 dead and saw around 250 people taken hostage, intensifying the crisis for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has vowed to eradicate Hamas.

Hamas further said that the Israeli hostages will not be freed till the aggression in Gaza stops and the Israeli troops withdraws from the area.

Israel had announced the death of the Hamas chief on Friday and released a drone footage showing Yahya Sinwar’s final moments. The killing was confirmed by Hamas hours later.

Yahya Sinwar, known for his brutal enforcement against Palestinians who cooperated with Israel and his staunch opposition to the state, was imprisoned for many years by Israel. He rose to leadership on August 6, succeeding the former political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran days earlier.

Recognised as the mastermind behind the October 7 assault, Sinwar had remained in Gaza, evading Israeli attempts on his life since the conflict began. Born in the Khan Younis refugee camp, the 62-year-old had led Hamas in Gaza since his election in 2017. His death leaves a significant vacuum in the group’s leadership following the assassination of Haniyeh.