Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and a central figure behind the deadly October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, has been confirmed killed in an Israeli military operation in Gaza. Sinwar, who had been one of Israel’s most-wanted figures, was taken down along with two other Hamas militants during the raid. His identity was confirmed through DNA testing, using samples collected during his 22 years of imprisonment in Israel.

At 62, Sinwar had long been a dominant force in Hamas, shaping both its military tactics and political strategies. He was seen as the mastermind behind the brutal attacks that sparked the current conflict, making him a top target for Israeli forces. His death is a significant blow to Hamas, which relied heavily on his leadership to guide its operations and strategy.

After the operation, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted a cryptic message on social media, stating, “Our enemies cannot hide. We will pursue and eliminate them.” Though he didn’t mention Sinwar by name, it was widely understood that his words were aimed at the killing of the Hamas leader.

Sinwar’s death marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s campaign to dismantle Hamas’s leadership. It is a major victory for the IDF. It could also lead to further violence, as Hamas may seek additional revenge for the loss of one of its key figures. The conflict is far from over, and tensions remain high as Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza, targeting other top leaders within the organization.