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Hamas declared on Friday that it would not release the hostages seized during its October 7 attack on Israel until the ongoing war in Gaza concludes. This statement came as Hamas mourned the death of its leader, Yahya Sinwar, a key figure behind the deadliest attack in Israeli history.
Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based Hamas official, expressed the group’s refusal to release any hostages “unless the aggression against our people in Gaza stops” in a video message. This stance dashes hopes for an imminent breakthrough, even after Sinwar’s death, which had sparked optimism, particularly for the families of the hostages and those suffering in Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Israeli forces have continued their bombardment of Gaza, with a strike near Jabalia on Friday night reportedly killing 33 people and injuring many more, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. Earlier in the day, rescuers recovered the bodies of three Palestinian children from the rubble in the northern part of Gaza.
Sinwar’s death, announced by the Israeli military on Thursday, marks a significant blow to Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as an “important landmark” in the downfall of Hamas, calling it “the beginning of the end.”
Meanwhile, international leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, view Sinwar’s death as an opportunity for peace, urging an end to the war and the safe return of the hostages. Biden, alongside leaders from Germany, France, and Britain, emphasized the need for a swift resolution.
Sinwar’s death has raised questions about the fate of the remaining hostages, with groups like the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urging Israel to capitalize on this “major achievement” to secure their release.
Hamas’s October 7 attack, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel, sparked the current war. Israeli retaliation has led to over 42,500 casualties in Gaza, according to UN-verified figures from the Hamas-controlled health ministry. The UN has warned of dire conditions, especially for Gaza’s one million children, with famine looming due to the blockade on aid.
The conflict has also expanded to Lebanon, where Israel continues to engage Hezbollah. The escalating violence in Lebanon has led to significant destruction, with hundreds of casualties reported since the fighting began.
Iran, Hezbollah, and other regional allies of Hamas have vowed to continue supporting the group, mourning Sinwar’s death and committing to further resistance against Israel.
