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Offering "Safe Exit" to Those Who Surrender Arms.. Netanyahu: The War Continues
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Netanyahu's insistence on continuing the war despite Sinwar's death reflects Israel's strategy to achieve broader goals in Gaza, moving beyond targeting Hamas leaders to reshaping the political and se
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed today, Thursday, the death of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza, during an Israeli military operation. Netanyahu stated that Israel has "settled its account" with Sinwar, but emphasized that "the war is not over yet," adding: "A blow has been dealt to evil, but the mission is not complete".
Netanyahu stressed Israel's determination to continue military operations "with full force until the hostages are returned." In a notable move, he pledged not to harm the kidnappers of hostages in Gaza if they release them, indicating that anyone who surrenders their weapons and helps return the hostages will be allowed to safely exit Gaza.
The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that "Hamas will not rule Gaza," addressing the residents of the Strip by saying: "Sinwar destroyed your lives." Netanyahu considered Sinwar's death an opportunity to bring peace to the Middle East, describing the event as an "important milestone" in Hamas's decline.
Earlier, the Israeli army announced that its forces killed Sinwar in southern Gaza on Wednesday, noting that the operation came after "a year-long pursuit."
The statement added that the army and Shin Bet carried out "dozens of operations over recent months that led to reducing Yahya Sinwar's area of operation, finally resulting in his elimination."
Israel accuses Sinwar of being one of the main planners of Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the death of 1,206 people.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which has so far resulted in the death of at least 42,438 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to official Palestinian figures.
It's worth noting that Sinwar had been elected as the head of Hamas's political bureau in August, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh who was assassinated in Tehran on July 31, in an operation attributed to Israel.
These developments come amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, raising questions about the future of the conflict and the extent to which a peaceful settlement can be achieved in the region.
Levant-Agencies
