From Biden’s hail to Macron’s call for hostage release: How world reacted to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s killing

The IDF initially stated it was verifying whether Sinwar was among three militants killed during a patrol in Gaza. By Thursday evening, they confirmed that Sinwar had been killed, reportedly in Tel Sultan, a neighbourhood in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost town.

Here’s a round up of the international response till now:

US President Joe Biden
Sinwar’s death offers an opportunity for a “day after” in Gaza without Hamas in control. “Yahya Sinwar was an insurmountable obstacle to achieving all of those goals. That obstacle no longer exists. But much work remains before us.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Yahya Sinwar, the brutal leader of the terrorist group Hamas, has been eliminated by the IDF. Under Sinwar’s leadership, Hamas carried out the horrific atrocities of October 7, sought to destroy Israel, and launched devastating terror attacks on civilians across the region. Today delivers a measure of justice for his victims and their families. Sinwar’s death ends a reign of terror.”

French President Emmanuel Macron
“Yahya Sinwar was the primary architect of the terrorist attacks and barbarism on 7 October. Today, I think with emotion of the victims, including 48 of our compatriots, and their loved ones. France demands the immediate release of all hostages still held by Hamas.”

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
“Sinwar was a brutal murderer and terrorist, bent on the destruction of Israel and its people. As the mastermind behind the 7 October terror, he brought death to thousands and immense suffering to the region. Hamas must now release all hostages and lay down arms; the suffering of the people in Gaza must end.”

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
“It appears the military leader of Hamas has been killed. I believe that Israel may have exercised its right to self-defence against the Hamas terrorists. I hope this will lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.”

UK Defence Secretary John Healey
“I won’t mourn the death of a terror leader like Sinwar, who was responsible for the terror attack on 7 October. The attack triggered the darkest day for the Jewish people since the Second World War, and a year of conflict with intolerable Palestinian civilian casualties.”

US Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer
“Sinwar’s actions have caused immense pain for both Israelis and Palestinians. I hope his elimination clears the way for the urgent release of all hostages, including seven Americans, and a swift end to hostilities that will ensure Israeli security and humanitarian relief for Gaza.”

US Republican House Leader Mike Johnson
“With Hamas and Hezbollah leaders now gone, the Biden administration must work with Israel to apply maximum pressure on Iran. Despite their criticism of Netanyahu, he’s secured key victories for Israel, setting the stage for a new era of security in the Middle East.”

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon
“Our IDF forces have eliminated Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the 7 October massacre. Yesterday, many at the UN Security Council questioned our ongoing presence in Gaza. Today, they have their answer. No terrorist is immune to the IDF’s reach. We will not stop until we bring our hostages home and eliminate Hamas.”

Troops found the bodies, which were taken to Israel for DNA and dental record verification. Hamas has yet to comment on the matter. Footage aired on Israeli media showed what appeared to be Sinwar’s body, wearing fatigues, with a severe head injury, lying amid rubble.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that an infantry battalion, alongside a tank unit, had targeted a group of men running into a building. The forces fired tank shells, causing the building to collapse, burying the bodies under the debris. The impact of Sinwar’s death on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza remains unclear, though many analysts believe Israel is preparing for a long-term military occupation of the Gaza Strip.

It was widely thought that Sinwar had surrounded himself with Israeli hostages to avoid being killed. However, Netanyahu’s office has stated that no hostages were believed to be with him at the time.

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