Yahya Sinwar, the powerful Hamas leader who played a key role in orchestrating the group’s devastating assault on Israel in October 2023, was killed in a firefight with Israeli forces, the Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday. Sinwar, who had been in hiding for over a year, was encountered unexpectedly by Israeli squad commanders in southern Gaza. His identity was confirmed through DNA and dental records after his body was recovered.
Sinwar’s death may slightly improve the chances for a truce between Israel and Hamas, though experts warn that significant obstacles remain in resolving the broader regional conflict.