Hamas Confirms Yahya Sinwar's Death, Says It Won't Release Hostages Until Israel Halts War

Hamas on Friday confirmed the death of its chief, Yahya Sinwar, nearly a day after Israel declared that he had been killed in a drone strike in Gaza.

The confirmation was made by Khalil Al-Hayya, the deputy Gaza Hamas leader and the group's chief negotiator.

Photo Credit: PTI

In a video statement to Al Jazeera, Al-Hayya said, "We mourn the great leader, the martyred brother, Yahya Sinwar, Abu Ibrahim."

Al-Hayya expressed his sorrow over Sinwar's death, stating that it would only serve to strengthen the group.

He added that Sinwar's death would become a "curse on the occupiers", and asserted that Israeli hostages would not be released until the assault on Gaza ceased and Israeli forces withdrew.

Earlier, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released footage showing Sinwar's final moments. The video depicted him attempting to fend off an Israeli drone by throwing a stick at it.

Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 attack, has been considered a key target by Israel. His death has been welcomed by several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

Following Sinwar's death, pressure has intensified on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude the conflict and secure the return of hostages.

Hamas reiterated that it would not free hostages until Israel halts its military actions in Gaza, withdraws from the territory, and releases Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

"The hostages will not return... unless the aggression against our people in Gaza stops, there is a complete withdrawal from it, and our heroic prisoners are released from the occupation's prisons," Khalil al-Hayya stated in a video message from Qatar.

(With agency inputs)