Gaza, Oct 19 (V7N) — Khalil Haya, the head of Hamas in Gaza, confirmed on Friday that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has been killed by Israeli forces. Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera first reported the news, occurring approximately 80 days after the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, often referred to as the "modern Hitler" by his opponents, is said to be behind the operation.

In a televised address, Haya expressed grief over the death of Sinwar, vowing that no hostages held by Hamas would be released unless Israeli forces halt their operations and withdraw from Gaza. He paid tribute to Sinwar, describing him as a fearless leader who fought till the end and sacrificed his life for the cause of Palestinian independence.

Bassem Naim, a senior member of Hamas's political wing, reiterated that the struggle of the Palestinian people will continue despite the loss of key leaders. "Our fight is either for victory or martyrdom," Naim said, adding that killing leaders will not bring an end to the movement but will instead inspire future generations.

On Thursday, Israel’s military and Shin Bet intelligence agency confirmed that Sinwar was among three individuals killed in an operation in southern Gaza on Wednesday. Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz also verified Sinwar's death.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) noted that Sinwar’s identity was confirmed using genetic information from samples gathered during the operation, as Israel had kept records of him from his years in Israeli prisons. Sinwar had spent over 20 years in prison before becoming the head of Hamas.

Hamas stated that the death of its leaders will not weaken the movement. “Our resistance will only grow stronger,” a Hamas spokesperson declared.

This latest development escalates the already tense situation in Gaza, following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in July. Yahya Sinwar, who succeeded Haniyeh, is remembered as a prominent figure in Hamas’s resistance efforts, further intensifying the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

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