Israel confirms it has assassinated top Hamas leader in Gaza

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Israel has confirmed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed during a military operation in Gaza.

“And the United States, Israel and the whole world are better off because of it,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.

A DNA test was conducted on the body to confirm his identity. Sinwar was identified as one of the architects behind the October 7 attack on Israel.

US officials praised the cooperation between US intelligence services and Israel in locating Sinwar. Vice President Kamala Harris praised their efforts, saying: “A terrorist attack that sparked a devastating war in Gaza, a war that has led to the unconscionable suffering of many innocent Palestinians.”

President Joe Biden said he had called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on Sinwar’s death and expressed hope for a ceasefire.

The State Department promises that the US will redouble its efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman, noted: “We now have another, well, we don’t know who will be on the other side of the negotiating table now, but it certainly won’t be Sinwar.”

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill celebrated Sinwar’s death. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) issued a statement saying, “His death brings hope to all who seek to live freely, and relief to the Israelis he tried to oppress.”

As Israel intensifies its efforts against Hamas and Hezbollah, the US carried out strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen using B-2 stealth bombers, marking one of the aircraft’s first uses in combat in years. Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder said, “It also sends a very clear message that we can attack these types of targets anytime, anywhere in the world.”

The Pentagon reaffirmed the US commitment to support Israel while pledging to redouble efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit Queen City News.