Sinwar’s death is hailed as a major victory by Israel, but the war with Hamas shows no signs of abating as both sides prepare for the next phase of the conflict.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been one of the most violent in recent history, with roots in decades of political and territorial disputes. The most recent war began in October 2023, following a surprise and deadly Hamas attack that left over 1,200 Israelis dead. The mastermind behind this attack was Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, and since then, he became Israel’s Enemy Number 1. After more than a year of relentless pursuit, Israeli forces finally succeeded in eliminating him in a raid in the southern Gaza Strip. Sinwar’s death is seen as a significant achievement for Israel, though it is unlikely to signal the end of the conflict.
Yahya Sinwar: A Key Figure in the Israel-Hamas War
Yahya Sinwar was one of Hamas’ most prominent leaders, rising through the ranks of the militant group since the 1980s. Known for his ruthless tactics and strategic mind, he was instrumental in building Hamas’ military capabilities, including its extensive tunnel network and rocket arsenal. Sinwar was deeply involved in coordinating the devastating October 7, 2023 attacks, which saw Hamas fighters breach Israel’s borders, murdering civilians and abducting hundreds. These attacks ignited the current phase of the war, drawing widespread international attention and prompting a sustained Israeli military response.
Sinwar’s leadership in orchestrating this assault made him a priority target for Israel. For over a year, Israeli intelligence agencies and military forces had been hunting him, knowing that his capture or killing would deal a severe blow to Hamas’ operations.
The operation: How Sinwar Was Killed
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Israel’s military confirmed that Yahya Sinwar had been killed during an operation in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. The operation was carried out by soldiers from the elite 828th Brigade (Bislach) of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), who were conducting ongoing operations in the region. According to reports, the incident unfolded when IDF soldiers spotted three suspicious figures in Rafah’s Tel Sultan neighborhood. A gunfight ensued after Israeli forces opened fire on the building where the suspects were hiding. Sinwar, along with two other militants, tried to escape but was eventually trapped inside a separate structure.
After a firefight, Israeli soldiers launched a missile strike on the building, followed by a drone reconnaissance mission. It wasn’t until later that the body of the Hamas leader was discovered beneath the rubble. Sinwar was initially not recognized, but the worn condition of his teeth, as well as DNA testing, confirmed his identity. Images of his body quickly spread online, causing a mix of jubilation and skepticism among those following the conflict.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Announcement
Following the successful operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, calling the killing of Sinwar a significant victory for Israel. “The one who carried out the worst massacre in the history of our people since the Holocaust, the mass murderer who murdered thousands of Israelis and abducted hundreds, was eliminated today by our heroic soldiers,” Netanyahu declared.
In a defiant tone, he emphasized that Sinwar’s death was part of Israel’s broader strategy to dismantle Hamas. “Today, as we promised, we settled accounts with him. Today, evil suffered a heavy blow, but our mission is not yet completed,” he said. This sentiment was echoed by Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to pursuing every Hamas leader and eliminating them. He quoted from the biblical book of Leviticus, saying, “You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall before you by the sword.”
A Year-Long Hunt Comes to an End
The death of Yahya Sinwar brings an end to a year-long manhunt that had seen several close calls but had previously failed to capture or kill the elusive leader. In the months following the October 2023 attack, Israel intensified its operations in Gaza, using airstrikes, intelligence operations, and ground forces in its efforts to find Sinwar. Despite this, he managed to remain hidden, using Gaza’s vast underground tunnel network and even reportedly keeping hostages nearby to deter Israeli strikes.
In December 2023, Netanyahu had announced that Israeli forces had surrounded Sinwar’s home in Gaza, though the Hamas leader managed to escape. Other close encounters included an incident in August 2024 when Israeli forces were minutes away from capturing Sinwar in a Gaza tunnel. Despite being close on several occasions, Sinwar evaded Israeli forces until the October 2024 operation that ultimately ended his life.
Sinwar’s elusive nature, coupled with his central role in Hamas, made him a symbol of resistance for some Palestinians, but a figure of hatred for many Israelis. His death is expected to deal a severe psychological and operational blow to Hamas, though experts warn that the conflict is far from over.
Hamas Denies Sinwar’s Death
Despite Israel’s confirmation, Hamas quickly denied reports of Sinwar’s assassination. In a statement, the group called Israel’s announcement “false and inaccurate” and accused Israel of spreading propaganda to weaken Palestinian morale. “We affirm that these reports are entirely untrue and part of a systematic campaign aimed at disrupting the ranks of the movement and creating chaos in the Palestinian streets,” the statement read. Hamas insisted that Sinwar, along with the rest of the movement’s leadership, remained safe and would continue to resist Israeli occupation.
The conflicting narratives from both sides highlight the fog of war that often surrounds high-profile killings and military operations. While Israel has provided DNA evidence of Sinwar’s death, Hamas’ denial suggests that the conflict’s propaganda war will continue as intensely as the military one.
The Public Reaction
In Israel, news of Sinwar’s death sparked public celebrations. Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv, cheering and waving Israeli flags, with citizens expressing relief and pride in their military’s accomplishment. “Well done, IDF. No terrorists will remain. Whoever harms Israeli citizens, that’ll be his end,” said one celebrant. For many Israelis, Sinwar’s death represented a form of justice for the lives lost in the October 2023 attack, which continues to haunt the nation.
What Lies Ahead: The War Continues
Though Sinwar’s death is a significant victory for Israel, the conflict with Hamas is far from over. Israeli officials have made it clear that the military’s operations in Gaza will continue until Hamas’ infrastructure is dismantled. Israel’s military strategy remains focused on eradicating the group’s leadership and capabilities, even as the war takes a devastating toll on both sides.
In Gaza, the death of Sinwar may lead to internal power struggles within Hamas, but it will also likely fuel further violence. The group’s leadership has vowed to continue resisting Israel, and retaliatory attacks are expected in the coming days.
The elimination of Yahya Sinwar marks a critical point in the Israel-Hamas war, but the road to peace remains uncertain. Both sides are entrenched in a conflict driven by decades of animosity, and while Israel may have dealt a major blow to Hamas with Sinwar’s death, the deeper issues behind the conflict remain unresolved. The war, it seems, is far from over.
(With inputs from agencies)
