Hamas Confirms Death of Leader Yahya Sinwar

Hamas has confirmed that its leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by the Israeli military in Gaza, following Israel’s announcement of his death. Khalil al-Hayya, a Hamas official based in Qatar, expressed his condolences in a recorded video statement aired by Al Jazeera, mourning Sinwar as a “great leader” and “martyred brother.”

Sinwar became Israel’s most wanted figure after the deadly attack on October 7, 2023, which marked the most lethal day in Israeli history.

In his statement, Hayya emphasized that Hamas would not release the hostages taken during the attack until the conflict in Gaza concludes. He stated, “The hostages will not return… unless the aggression against our people in Gaza stops.” He called on Israel to withdraw from Gaza and to release Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Hayya also mentioned that the group would draw strength from Sinwar’s killing, positioning him among the “leaders and symbols of the movement who preceded him.”