Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed on Friday that its leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by the Israeli military in Gaza, following Israel’s announcement of his death a day earlier.
“We mourn the great leader, the martyred brother, Yahya Sinwar, Abu Ibrahim,” said Khalil al-Hayya, a Hamas official based in Qatar, in a recorded video statement aired by Al Jazeera.
Sinwar had become Israel’s most wanted man after the deadly attack on October 7, 2023, which marked the deadliest day in Israeli history.
Khalil al-Hayya added that captives held in Gaza would not be released until Israel halts its attacks on Gaza and withdraws its forces from the besieged area.
In a televised address, al-Hayya reflected on “the memory of the fallen martyr, Yahya Sinwar.” He described Sinwar as “steadfast, brave, and intrepid,” stating that Sinwar “sacrificed his life for our liberation.”
“He met his end standing tall, with his head held high, holding his firearm, firing until his last breath, until the final moment of his life. Sinwar lived his life as a holy fighter. From his early days, he engaged in his struggle as a resistant fighter. He remained defiant even while imprisoned by Israel and continued his dedication to the cause after his release in a prisoner swap.”
Al-Hayya emphasized that Sinwar’s “martyrdom” and the leadership of those who came before him “will only strengthen the resolve and resilience of our movement.”
“The prisoners of the occupation will not return unless the aggression on Gaza ceases, there is a complete withdrawal from Gaza, and our prisoners are released from their jails,” he stated. “Hamas will persist until a Palestinian state is established on all Palestinian land, with Jerusalem as its capital.”
In his statement, al-Hayya indicated that Hamas would not release the hostages it took from Israel during the attack until the conflict in Gaza comes to an end. He asserted that the group would draw strength from Sinwar’s killing, which he said positioned him among “the leaders and symbols of the movement who came before him.”
