On October 17, 2024, Yahya Sinwar, a Hamas leader, was confirmed to have died during combat with Israel the previous day. The Hamas leader had been the main target for Israeli forces since the beginning of the war on October 7, 2023 because Sinwar was believed to be one of the main people behind the attack that initiated the conflict last year. His supposed remains were found last month.. 

DNA samples of the Hamas leader’s body as well as dental records and fingerprints were used in identifying the body, so soon after taking the body into custody, Israel could confirm identity and perform an autopsy.The chief pathologist who performed the autopsy of Yahya Sinwar’s body and declared him to be deceased stated that although there were many factors to the death of the Hamas leader, the cause of death was a gunshot to the head. In addition to this, Sinwar sustained wounds to his chest from shrapnel, a wound in his right arm from a missile, and injuries related to masonry that fell on his left leg. 

The death of Yahya Sinwar was seen as a chance for peace between Israel and Hamas. However, the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, must decide whether to continue fighting Hamas or try to form a ceasefire deal and make peace with the militant group. Many people have begun to protest in order to encourage Netanyahu to begin to take action to free the hostages taken by Hamas. 

One of the main protests that the citizens performed was putting red paint on their legs to symbolize the injuries that Naama, the daughter of Yoni Levy. She sustained these injuries during the fighting after she was taken hostage by Hamas. Protesters stated that Naama is one of the hostages that should already be home. 

It has been reported that many Israelis wish for a deal to be formed between Israel and Hamas because prior agreements resulted in hostages being returned to Israel. 

However, it has also been reported that some believe continued conflict to regain control and protect against physical attacks is the only way to avoid questions about the failure to prevent the attack on October 7th, 2023 or future incidents in the country. 

Despite the protest from the country, the Prime Minister stated that the fight will continue until Israel reached victory because they had not yet reached their goal even if the Hamas leader is deceased.

After confirming that Yahya Sinwar was dead, Hamas declared that the hostages they held would not be released until Israel left the Gaza strip and released the hostages that Israel is currently also holding.

Later on, Israel released leaflets that made a deal to let people who help to return the hostages held by Hamas to Israel would be at peace. 

References

Szekeres, Edward, et al. “The Latest on Hamas Leader’s Death and War in the Middle East.” CNN, Cable New Network, 20 October 2024, www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-hamas-lebanon-sinwar-gaza-iran-10-19-24/index.html.

Kottasová, Ivana. “After Sinwar’s Killing, Israelis call on Netanyahu to Seize the Moment and Strike a Deal with Hamas.” CNN, Cable New Network, 19 October 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/10/19/middleeast/sinwar-death-israel-netanyahu-hostage-deal-intl-latam/index.html.

Bergman, Ronen, et al. “Hamas Leader Killed in Gaza Fight, Israel Says.” The New York Times, The New York Times Company, 17 October 2024, www.nytimes.com/live/2024/10/17/world/israel-lebanon-iran-gaza-news.