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Yesterday, October 17, the press services of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet confirmed that after more than a year of active searches, IDF Southern Command forces eliminated the leader of the terrorist organization Hamas, Yahya Sinwar. The operation was carried out in the south of the Gaza Strip, and was the result of a long effort to eliminate one of the key organizers of the attack, which occurred on October 7.

Sinvar, whose last minutes of life were caught on video, not only planned and directed this bloody action, but also actively disseminated extremist ideology both during wartime and before the outbreak of hostilities. He was responsible for the murders and kidnappings of many Israelis, and his elimination was an important step in the fight against the terrorist threat.

US President Joe Biden, who was in Europe as part of his tour of Germany, France and the UK, described the day as “a good day for Israel, but also for the United States and the world.” Biden stressed that Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, Palestinian Arabs, Americans and citizens from more than 30 countries.

He also recalled that it was on Sinwar’s orders that Hamas terrorists organized massacres, rapes and kidnappings on October 7, 2023. The attack was deliberate and involved unspeakable brutality – including the killing of descendants of Holocaust survivors, children in front of their parents, and parents in front of their children.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement called Sinwar a brutal and unrepentant terrorist who was responsible for heinous crimes including murders and kidnappings of civilians, including infants and the elderly.

He added that Sinwar’s decision to launch the attack on October 7 had disastrous consequences for the Gazans, who now suffer the horror of war. Blinken also said that in the coming days, the United States and its partners will redouble their efforts to end the conflict, free all hostages and create a new path to help Gazans rebuild their lives and free themselves from Hamas control.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson also expressed his position, saying that justice was served thanks to the actions of the brave soldiers of the Israeli army. Sinwar was the embodiment of evil, hatred and barbarism, he said, and his death should be a reminder to all who seek to terrorize and intimidate free peoples: the light of freedom will never go out in the face of cruelty and anti-Semitism.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that Sinwar had the blood of many innocent people on his hands, and his death made the world a safer place. He also expressed hope that Sinwar’s removal would facilitate the return of all hostages, including seven Americans, and would facilitate the start of negotiations that would lead to an end to hostilities and humanitarian aid to Palestinian Arabs.

Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said Sinwar’s death has made the world a safer place and stressed that terror will never prevail over freedom.

The head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, said that he had been in touch with CIA Director William Burns since early morning. He stressed that justice had been served, but also recalled that many hostages still remain in the hands of terrorists and efforts must continue to free them.

US Senator Jim Risch noted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had killed several senior Hamas terrorists and called this good news not only for Israel, but for the entire free world. He stressed that Sinwar plunged Palestinian Arabs into violence and used women and children as human shields.

US Vice President Kamala Harris called Sinwar’s killing a triumph of justice and recalled the numerous victims, including Americans killed by Hamas militants. She assured that anyone who threatens the security of Americans or their allies will be brought to justice.

• Europe’s reaction

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the liquidation of Sinwar opens up the opportunity to end the war and achieve the release of all hostages. He stressed that it is important to use this moment to achieve peace and stop military operations.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault noted that Sinwar’s death dealt a mortal blow to Hamas and stressed the need to work toward peace in the region.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell added that Sinwar was an obstacle to the ceasefire and the release of the hostages. He called for an immediate end to the violence.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Sinwar’s death would weaken Hamas and possibly contribute to the end of the conflict.

British Defense Minister John Healey also emphasized that Sinwar’s death means the elimination of one of the main organizers of the October 7 terrorist attacks. He expressed hope that this event will lead to an improvement in the situation and help reduce the level of violence in the region.

Geert Wilders, head of the Freedom Party faction in the Dutch parliament, expressed support for Israel’s actions in a short statement, writing: “Keep it up.”

Previously, Kursor reported that Hezbollah and Iran, after the liquidation of Sinvar, threaten Israel.