Israel announced on Thursday the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 attack. The Israeli military said Sinwar was killed in a drone strike in the southern Gaza Strip. Hamas has not confirmed his death. Sinwar became the leader of Hamas after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. The attack by Hamas resulted in 1,206 deaths. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed 42,438 people in Gaza. The US President called it a good day for Israel.
Israel is at war with Hamas since the October 7 attack, during which militants also seized hostages. Ninety-seven hostages remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed dead. Israel is vowing to defeat Hamas and bring all hostages home. Some Israelis see Sinwar’s death as an opportunity for peace. The war’s impact on Gaza will be felt for generations to come.
In Lebanon, Israel is also at war with Hezbollah. The Lebanese National News Agency reported strikes in the Bekaa Valley. Five Israeli soldiers have been killed in combat in southern Lebanon. The war in Lebanon has resulted in at least 1,418 deaths. Other Iran-aligned groups have been drawn into the conflict. Iran conducted a missile strike on Israel, which Israel has vowed to retaliate against.
