Benjamin Netanyahu Reacts After Confirming Yahya Sinwar's Death: 'Hamas Will No Longer Govern Gaza'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday evening described the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a decisive moment in the ongoing conflict and marked the "beginning of the day after Hamas."

"Sinwar destroyed your lives," he said in a video statement directed at Gaza's residents, reported YNet News.

Photo Credit: PTI

"Hamas will no longer govern Gaza. This is the beginning of the day after Hamas."

Netanyahu continued, "The mastermind behind the worst massacre of our people since the Holocaust, a murderer responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis and the abduction of hundreds, has been eliminated by our brave soldiers."

He reassured the families of the hostages, stating, "This is a significant moment in the war. We will carry on with all our strength until your loved ones, who are also our loved ones, are returned home. This is our utmost commitment."

Netanyahu urged Gaza's residents to release the hostages, adding, "Sinwar's death is a key turning point in the collapse of Hamas' rule. To the terrorists, I say: Your leaders are fleeing, and they will be eliminated. I call on anyone holding our hostages-lay down your arms and return them, and you will be allowed to leave and live. But if you harm our hostages, you will be held accountable, and your fate will be sealed."

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking from the Gaza border, also urged Gaza's residents to surrender.

"Sinwar ended his life defeated, hunted, and on the run, not as a commander, but as someone only concerned with himself," he said.

"This sends a clear message to the families of the fallen and the hostages, as well as to Gaza's residents: the man who brought disaster upon you is gone. Now is the time to release the hostages and surrender. Israel has settled an old score with Sinwar-a vile murderer who orchestrated the October 7 massacre."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised the IDF, Shin Bet, and security forces for Sinwar's killing.

"Sinwar, the architect of the deadly October 7 attack, has long been responsible for despicable acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians, citizens of other countries, and the killing of thousands of innocent people. His malevolent schemes were dedicated to terror, bloodshed, and destabilising the Middle East," he said in a statement.

"Now, more than ever, we must do everything in our power to bring back the 101 hostages still held in dire conditions by Hamas terrorists in Gaza."

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and other senior officials visited the site in Gaza where Sinwar was killed.

Halevi commended the soldiers, saying, "Your professionalism and determination made this possible-one year after the October 7 massacre, we have settled the score with Sinwar."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also congratulated the IDF, saying, "Well done to the IDF and the entire nation of Israel for eliminating the mass murderer. Now the IDF must ensure that every resident in Gaza knows Sinwar is dead, while increasing military pressure and offering safe passage and financial incentives to those who return the hostages and surrender."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called it a "historic elimination in Rafah" and urged the military to continue the offensive "until total victory."