Hamas Terror Chief Sinwar is Dead; Others Will be Spared if They Lay Down Arms, Release Hostages, Netanyahu Says
by Susan Katz Keating
“Whoever harms our hostages, his blood will be on his head. We will come to a reckoning with him.” ~Netanyahu
Anyone who is holding Israeli hostages will be allowed to live if they lay down their weapons and release their captives, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. He made his remarks in a video statement on Thursday, following the death of Hamas leader Yahyah Sinwar.
Israeli troops shot Sinwar in a Wednesday firefight in Rafah, in southern Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces said. Two other terrorists were killed, the IDF and the Shin Bet security agency said.
Sinwar planned the October 7 invasion of Israel by Hamas, which has exerted an iron rule over Gaza since 2007.
“Hamas will no longer rule Gaza,” Netanyahu said in his statement. “This is the beginning of the day after Hamas, and this is an opportunity for you, the residents of Gaza, to finally break free from its tyranny.”
Sinwar in his final moments acted in panic, Netanyahu said.
“Sinwar ruined your life,” Netanyahu said. “He told you he was a lion, but in reality he was hiding in a dark den. And he was killed when he fled in a panic from our soldiers.”
Other leaders who hope to continue Sinwar’s efforts will also be killed, Netanyahu said.
“To the Hamas terrorists I say: your leaders are fleeing and they will be eliminated,” he said.
Anyone who lays down their weapons and releases their captives will be allowed to live, Netanyahu said.
“And at the same time I say, whoever harms our hostages, his blood will be on his head,” the Prime Minister said. ”We will come to a reckoning with him.”
Sinwar’s death brings “a great opportunity to stop the axis of evil and create a different future,” Netanyahu said. It also shows why Israel went into Rafah, “the fortified stronghold of Hamas where Sinwar and many of the murderers hid.”
Rumors of Sinwar’s death circulated on social media on Thursday morning. The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed within hours that the terror chief was dead.
Susan Katz Keating is the publisher and editor in chief at Soldier of Fortune.