‘Seize opportunity to change direction’: US to Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah after Yahya Sinwar’s death

On Thursday, the Israeli military confirmed that Sinwar, who masterminded last year’s Hamas cross-border assault on Israel, was killed in an operation in southern Gaza on Wednesday.

Austin also reiterated that US forces in the Middle East remain ready to assist in defending Israel. This comes after US president Joe Biden on Thursday issued a statement after Sinwar’s death and said that it “is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world.”

Biden further said, “Israel has had every right to eliminate the leadership and military structure of Hamas. Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another October 7.”