In a significant development, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya confirmed on Friday the death of Yahya Sinwar, a prominent leader of the Palestinian militant group. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has seen heightened violence and casualties since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Speaking in a televised address, al-Hayya emphasized the group’s refusal to release the Israeli hostages captured during the attack until specific conditions are met. He stated unequivocally that the hostages would not be returned until Israel halts its military operations in Gaza and withdraws from the territory, reiterating Hamas’s demand for a cease-fire in the yearlong war.

“The prisoners will not return to you before the end of the aggression on Gaza and the withdrawal from Gaza,” al-Hayya declared, underscoring Hamas’s stance amid intensifying conflict.

The confirmation of Sinwar’s death and the group’s continued hardline position on the hostage issue may further complicate diplomatic efforts to broker a cease-fire or reach a humanitarian resolution. As violence continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with civilian casualties mounting and international pressure growing for a de-escalation.

Credit: AP