The Israeli government described the death as a “heavy blow” to Hamas, which it has been in conflict with for over a year. The operation took place in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, following a prolonged pursuit.

“After a year-long pursuit, troops eliminated Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Hamas terrorist organization, in an operation in the southern Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military announced. This statement highlights the culmination of a sustained effort to target Sinwar, whom Israel accuses of orchestrating the October 7 assault—considered the deadliest attack in Israeli history.

The news of Sinwar’s death was met with a declaration from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who characterized the event as a significant setback for Hamas. 

“Today evil has suffered a heavy blow,” Netanyahu remarked. He tempered the announcement by noting that “the war is not over yet,” but described Sinwar’s elimination as an “important landmark in the decline of the evil rule of Hamas.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also commented on the operation, labeling Sinwar as a “mass murderer… responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7.” Katz’s statement underscored the gravity of the crimes attributed to Sinwar, framing the military action as a measure of justice. President Isaac Herzog, in his reaction, praised the killing of the militant leader, referring to him as the orchestrator behind “heinous acts of terrorism.”

The October 7 attacks that led to the Israeli campaign against Sinwar were marked by widespread violence and significant casualties. Sinwar, who had served as a senior figure within Hamas, was alleged to have been directly responsible for planning and executing the assault, which escalated the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group.

As of now, Hamas has not confirmed the death of Sinwar. The organization, which governs Gaza, has yet to issue any official response to the claims from Israeli authorities.