After Sinwar’s death, Hamas warns: Hostages won’t be freed until Israel withdraws

Hamas on Friday (Oct 18)confirmed that their leader Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli forces on Wednesday.

However, the Palestinian militant group remains defiant. Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, said that Sinwar's death would only make the group stronger. “Sinwar’s death will turn into a curse on the occupiers," he said. He also emphasised that Israeli hostages wouldn’t be freed unless Israel stopped its operations in Gaza and pulled out completely.

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According to a video statement shared by news agency Reuters, Al-Hayya said, "The hostages will not return, unless the aggression against our people in Gaza stops, there is a complete withdrawal from it, and our heroic prisoners are released from the occupation’s prisons."

Hamas'military wing also issued its own statement, vowing to continue their fight against Israel until Palestine is "liberated," as they mourned their leader’s death.

Meanwhile, Lebanon-basedHezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, both backed by Iran, extended their condolences for Sinwar’s death.

In Iran, officials condemned the Hamas leader's death. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called it "a clear sign of the unstoppable crimes committed by Israel," while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Martyrs live forever, and the cause for the liberation of Palestine from occupation is more alive than ever."

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement, praised the operation and vowed to continue military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. He also addressed the militants holding Israeli hostages, offering them a chance to live if they surrendered and freed the hostages.

Hebrew news outlets reported that Netanyahu met with President Isaac Herzog on Friday to discuss the "window of opportunity" created by Sinwar's death.

Additionally, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office noted that United States President Joe Biden called Netanyahu on Thursday to congratulate him on the operation and that both leaders agreed to work together to seize the opportunity to secure the release of hostages.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.