By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies
October 17, 2024 — Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and mastermind behind the deadly October 7 attacks on Israel, has been killed in Gaza during an Israeli military operation, Israeli officials confirmed late Thursday.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced Sinwar’s death, stating, “The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7th, was eliminated today by IDF soldiers.”
Sinwar’s death comes after Israeli forces conducted extensive military operations in Gaza in response to the October 7 attacks, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and resulted in the abduction of hundreds of hostages. The Israeli military said they confirmed Sinwar’s death after conducting DNA tests.
Sinwar: Architect of October 7 Attacks
Yahya Sinwar, who rose to prominence within Hamas after spending decades in Israeli prisons, is credited as the mastermind behind the deadly assault on Israeli territory. On October 7, Hamas fighters launched a large-scale attack on Israeli towns and settlements near the Gaza border, killing civilians and taking many hostages.
In a statement, Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the efforts of Israeli security services in neutralizing “the arch-terrorist Yahya Sinwar,” highlighting his role in orchestrating terror attacks that targeted both Israeli citizens and foreign nationals.
“Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 attack, has for years been responsible for heinous acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians, citizens of other countries, and the murder of thousands of innocent people,” Herzog said.
The ‘Butcher of Khan Younis’
Known as the “Butcher of Khan Younis,” Sinwar had a long and violent history. Born in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza, he became a founding member of Hamas in 1987 and quickly rose through the ranks. His reputation for ruthlessness, particularly against Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel, earned him notoriety within the group.
Sinwar was arrested by Israeli forces in the late 1980s and sentenced to life in prison for the murder of two Israeli soldiers and several Palestinians. He spent 22 years behind bars before being released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange deal for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Israel’s Ongoing Offensive in Gaza
Sinwar’s killing comes as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Following the October 7 attacks, Israel vowed to dismantle the group, which it and several other countries, including the United States and Germany, classify as a terrorist organization.
In his statement, President Herzog stressed the urgency of securing the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, stating, “Now, more than ever, we must act in every way possible to bring back the 101 hostages who are still being held in horrific conditions by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.”
Sinwar’s death marks a significant blow to Hamas leadership as Israel intensifies its efforts to neutralize the group’s military capabilities and protect its citizens from further attacks.