Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Friday that Israel would press on with its military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, despite the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Hopes that Sinwar’s death might signal an end to the year-long conflict in the Middle East were dashed, as Lebanese militant group Hezbollah vowed to escalate its fight against Israel, with backing from Iran, which said the “spirit of resistance” would only grow stronger.
Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the Gaza war, was killed during an Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Netanyahu hailed the killing as a significant achievement but emphasized that the war would continue until hostages held by Hamas were released.
Contrasting with Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who viewed Sinwar’s death as an opportunity for peace, Netanyahu maintained that the battle against Hamas and Hezbollah would persist. The U.S., meanwhile, is pushing for ceasefire negotiations, believing that the removal of Sinwar may pave the way for progress.
Hezbollah, which began firing rockets at Israel in support of Hamas on October 8, is now facing intensified Israeli assaults on Lebanon. In addition to Sinwar’s death, Israel has also eliminated several top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, weakening the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” a network of Iranian-backed militant groups across the region.
Despite these losses, Iran and Hezbollah remain defiant, vowing to continue their fight. The Israeli military confirmed on Friday the killing of another key Hezbollah figure, Muhammad Hassin Ramal, further escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages remain focused on securing the release of their loved ones, with many viewing Sinwar’s death as only a partial victory.
Sources: Reuters
