After confirming death of Hamas chief Sinwar, Israel continues raids in Gaza

Israel intensified its offensive in Gaza on Friday, following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the death of Sinwar, calling it a significant moment in Israel’s ongoing campaign to crush Hamas, which started after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Netanyahu described the killing as a key step in ending the militant group’s reign in Gaza, although he stressed that the war is far from over. Sinwar, who had become the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza, was targeted by Israeli forces in a drone strike near Rafah, close to the Egyptian border.

Sinwar was blamed for masterminding the October attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of 251 people, 97 of whom remain in Gaza. Israeli authorities consider Sinwar’s death as a major blow to Hamas, but the airstrikes in Gaza continue, with several civilians killed in ongoing raids.

The war has claimed 42,438 lives in Gaza, primarily civilians, drawing criticism from various quarters, including Israel’s key ally, the United States. Despite these criticisms, US President Joe Biden welcomed Sinwar’s killing, expressing hope that it could pave the way for a Gaza