The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced on Friday that it is entering a new phase of fighting against Israel, just a day after Israeli forces claimed to have killed Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for last year’s deadly attack on Israel. Sinwar’s death, which reportedly occurred in a front-line battle with Israeli troops in Gaza, may alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict as Israel intensifies its military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Sinwar’s killing was a major goal for Israel, which has committed to dismantling Hamas’ political and military influence in Gaza. Although Hamas has not officially confirmed his death, Israeli troops released images of what appears to be Sinwar’s body, partially buried in rubble with a severe head wound.
READ: Israel Kills Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar, But His Death Unlikely To Alter Hamas’ Strategy
While Hamas has remained relatively quiet about the reports, Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas political figure, indirectly addressed the situation. “Israel is mistaken if it believes that killing our leaders means the end of our movement and the struggle of the Palestinian people,” Naim said, emphasizing that the slain leaders will inspire future generations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Sinwar’s death in a speech, stating, “Our war is not yet ended.” His remarks have raised hopes that the death of Sinwar could signal a turning point in the conflict. Families of hostages held in Gaza are now calling on the Israeli government to use this moment to renew negotiations for the release of around 100 remaining hostages, some of whom are believed to be dead.
READ: Israel Kills Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar; VP Kamala Harris Hails Justice, Calls For End To Gaza War
Ronen Neutra, whose son Omer is being held hostage in Gaza, expressed cautious optimism: “Sinwar, who was described as a major obstacle to a deal, is no longer alive. We are at an inflection point where the goals set for the war with Gaza have been achieved, all but the release of the hostages.”
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has ramped up its military activities. On Friday, the group revealed that it had used new types of precision-guided missiles and explosive drones against Israel in recent days. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem warned that the group would continue to expand its attacks on Israel, including the launch of advanced Qader 2 missiles at Tel Aviv suburbs and a drone strike that killed four Israeli soldiers at a military base.
Hezbollah’s increased involvement, coupled with Sinwar’s death, has raised concerns about the conflict spreading across the region. In response, the Israeli military has deployed additional reserve troops to its northern border to assist forces battling Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for multiple missile and artillery attacks on Israeli troops near the Lebanon border, including a barrage aimed at soldiers evacuating the wounded.
READ: Israel Finalizes Potential Targets In Iran As Tensions Rise; U.S. Bombs Houthi Targets In Yemen
In a rare development, Israeli forces reported killing two militants who had crossed into Israel from Jordan, underscoring the broader security challenges Israel faces as it continues its military campaign on multiple fronts.
The conflict, which began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has already claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and led to the abduction of 250 people. In Gaza, local health authorities report that more than 42,000 Palestinians have died, and the war has displaced around 90% of the 2.3 million residents. As the violence continues in Gaza and Lebanon, international calls for peace are growing, though a resolution to the conflict remains elusive.
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