New Delhi: Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant has urged Hamas fighters to release hostages and surrender following the assassination of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the terrorist group Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Sinwar’s death in Gaza via a post on social media platform X, alongside the killing of two other Hamas militants.
In a statement, Gallant called Sinwar “a vile murderer and terrorist,” and highlighted his role in orchestrating the deadly October 7th attack that claimed the lives of many innocent Israelis, including children, women, and the elderly. “The State of Israel has brought justice with the elimination of Yahya Sinwar,” Gallant said.
‘Broader Israeli campaign targeting top terrorist leaders’
Gallant stressed that this latest assassination was part of a broader Israeli campaign targeting top terrorist leaders, including Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas’s military chief Muhammad Deif. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to pursuing and eliminating those who pose a threat to its citizens and security forces.
Sinwar’s death sends a strong message to both Hamas and the families of hostages held by the group. Gallant stated that Israel is doing everything in its power to free the hostages and return them to their families, emphasising that the fight against those responsible for the attack would continue.
‘It is time to go out, release the hostages’
Addressing the residents of Gaza, Gallant held Sinwar accountable for the suffering and devastation in the region. He urged Hamas fighters to lay down their arms, release the hostages, and surrender, stating, “It is time to go out, release the hostages, raise your hands, surrender.”
Gallant also commended the soldiers of the IDF, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Shin Bet for their efforts in bringing Sinwar to justice.
