Yesterday, October 17, the press services of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet confirmed that after more than a year of active searches, the forces of the IDF Southern Command eliminated the leader of the organization Hamas terrorist, Yahya Sinwar. The operation was carried out in the southern Gaza Strip and was the result of a long effort to eliminate one of the key organizers of the attack, which occurred on October 7.
Sinvar, whose last minutes of life were captured on video, not only planned and directed this bloody action, but also actively spread extremist ideology both in times of war and before the outbreak of hostilities. He was responsible for the murders and kidnappings of many Israelis and his elimination was an important step in the fight against the terrorist threat.
US President Joe Biden, who was in Europe as part of his tour of Germany, France and the United Kingdom, described the day as “a good day for Israel, but also for the United States and the world.” Biden highlighted that Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, Palestinian Arabs, Americans and citizens of more than 30 countries.
He also recalled that it was on Sinwar’s orders that Hamas terrorists organized massacres, rapes and kidnappings on October 7, 2023. The attack was deliberate and involved unspeakable brutality, including the murder of descendants of Holocaust survivors, of children in front of their parents and of parents in front of their children.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement called Sinwar a brutal and unrepentant terrorist, responsible for heinous crimes, including murders and kidnappings of civilians, including children and the elderly.
He added that Sinwar’s decision to launch the attack on October 7 had disastrous consequences for Gazans, who now suffer the horror of war. Blinken also said that in the coming days, the United States and its partners will redouble their efforts to end the conflict, free all hostages and create a new path to help Gazans rebuild their lives and free themselves from Hamas control. .
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, also expressed his position and said that justice was served thanks to the actions of the brave soldiers of the Israeli army. Sinwar was the embodiment of evil, hatred and barbarism, he said, and his death should be a reminder to all who seek to terrorize and intimidate free peoples: the light of freedom will never go out in the face of cruelty and anti-Semitism. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that Sinwar had the blood of many innocent people on his hands and his death made the world a safer place. He also expressed hope that the expulsion of Sinwar would facilitate the return of all the hostages, including seven Americans, and would facilitate the beginning of negotiations that would lead to an end to hostilities and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian Arabs.
Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, said Sinwar’s death has made the world a safer place and emphasized that terror will never prevail over freedom.
The head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, said he had been in contact with CIA Director William Burns since early this morning. He stressed that justice had been done, but also recalled that many hostages still remain in the hands of terrorists and efforts must continue to free them.
US Senator Jim Risch noted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had killed several high-ranking Hamas terrorists and called this good news not only for Israel, but for the entire free world. He highlighted that Sinwar plunged Palestinian Arabs into violence and used women and children as human shields.
US Vice President Kamala Harris called Sinwar’s murder a triumph of justice and recalled the many victims, including Americans killed by Hamas militants. He assured that anyone who threatens the security of Americans or their allies will be brought to justice.
- Europe’s reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron said the liquidation of Sinwar opens the opportunity to end the war and achieve the release of all hostages. He stressed that it is important to take advantage of this moment to achieve peace and stop military operations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault noted that Sinwar’s death dealt a mortal blow to Hamas and stressed the need to work for peace in the region.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell added that Sinwar was an obstacle to the ceasefire and the release of the hostages. He called for an immediate end to the violence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sinwar’s death would weaken Hamas and possibly contribute to the end of the conflict.
British Defense Minister John Healey also highlighted that Sinwar’s death means the elimination of one of the main organizers of the October 7 terrorist attacks. He expressed hope that this event will lead to an improvement in the situation and help reduce the level of violence in the region.
Geert Wilders, head of the Freedom Party faction in the Dutch parliament, expressed support for Israel’s actions in a brief statement, writing: “Keep up the good work.”
Previously, Kursor reported that Hezbollah and Iran, following the liquidation of Sinvar, threaten Israel.
