US and Germany: Sinwar’s Death Could Help End Gaza Conflict
The United States and Germany have stated that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could “create momentum to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip.”
In a joint statement released on Friday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described Sinwar as a “brutal murderer and terrorist” intent on destroying Israel and its people. They emphasized that as the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, terror attacks, Sinwar was responsible for countless deaths and suffering throughout the region.
“Sinwar stood in the way of a ceasefire in Gaza. His death can create momentum to end the conflict. All hostages must be released,” they asserted following their meeting in Berlin.
The two leaders also highlighted the urgent need to increase humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. “Humanitarian assistance must be surged to those in need. Germany and the United States, along with our partners, will spare no effort in this endeavor,” they added.
Israel confirmed on Thursday evening that it had eliminated Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7 attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel and over 250 hostages taken.
“After a determined pursuit lasting a year, our forces have eliminated Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Hamas terror organization and the main architect of the massacre and kidnappings,” said Lt. Col. Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), late Thursday.
Sinwar had succeeded Ismail Haniyeh as head of Hamas’ political bureau after Haniyeh’s death in Tehran in July.
Israel has been conducting extensive military operations against Hamas in response to the October 7 attack. As of Friday, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli assaults in Gaza has risen to 42,500, according to Gaza-based health authorities.
