Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Israel had “settled its account” with Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for orchestrating the deadliest attack on Israelis since the Holocaust. Sinwar’s death marks a significant moment in Israel’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu, however, stressed that “our war has not yet ended.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also addressed Sinwar’s killing, stating, “Justice has been served. The United States, Israel, and the entire world are better off as a result.” Harris underscored Sinwar’s responsibility for the deaths of thousands of innocent people, including those killed in the October 7 attack and hostages held in Gaza. “He had American blood on his hands,” she said, referring to the seven Americans taken hostage, some of whom remain in captivity.
READ: Israel Finalizes Potential Targets In Iran As Tensions Rise; U.S. Bombs Houthi Targets In Yemen
“I can only hope that the families of the victims of Hamas feel a sense, and measure, of relief,” Harris continued. She described Sinwar as “the mastermind of October 7,” which was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The attack killed 1,200 people, featured horrific sexual violence, and saw more than 250 people taken hostage into Gaza.
The Vice President acknowledged the immense suffering the war has brought to both Israelis and Palestinians. “A terrorist attack that triggered a devastating war in Gaza—a war that has led to unconscionable suffering of many innocent Palestinians and greater instability throughout the Middle East.”
Harris praised the cooperation between U.S. Special Operations and intelligence personnel, who worked closely with Israeli counterparts to track Sinwar and other Hamas leaders. “I commend their work,” she said, before issuing a clear warning: “To any terrorist who kills Americans, threatens the American people, or threatens our troops or our interests, know this: we will always bring you to justice.”
As Israel continues its military campaign, Harris reaffirmed the U.S.’s position: “Israel has a right to defend itself, and the threat Hamas poses to Israel must be eliminated. Today, there is clear progress toward that goal. Hamas is decimated, and its leadership is eliminated.”
Looking ahead, Harris urged for the war in Gaza to come to an end. “This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza. And it must end—such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. And it is time for the day after to begin, without Hamas in power.”
She closed with a vow to continue working toward peace, saying, “We will not give up on these goals, and I will always work to create a future of peace, dignity, and security for all.”
READ: US Deploys THAAD Missile System, Troops To Israel Amid Rising Tensions With Iran
Israel’s military confirmed Yahya Sinwar’s death after DNA tests identified his body, which was found in the rubble after a battle in Gaza. His killing strikes a powerful blow to Hamas, the militant group that launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of around 250 others.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.