Hamas has officially confirmed the death of its leader, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. The militant group maintains its position that Israeli hostages will only be released following a cease-fire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The announcement comes in direct opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that military operations will continue until the hostages are freed and Hamas is prevented from rearming in Gaza.

Khalil al-Hayya, Sinwar’s Qatar-based deputy, stated that the former leader died “confronting the occupation army until the last moment of his life.” Hamas released footage of what they claim were Sinwar’s final moments, showing a wounded man in a damaged building throwing a stick at an approaching Israeli drone.

Sinwar, who masterminded the October 2023 raid on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to 250 kidnappings, was a top military priority for Israel. The retaliatory offensive has resulted in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin views Sinwar’s death as “an extraordinary opportunity to achieve a lasting cease-fire.” Meanwhile, families of the approximately 100 remaining hostages in Gaza are urging the Israeli government to use this development to restart negotiations.

The conflict continues to have broader regional implications, with Hezbollah in Lebanon announcing the use of new precision-guided missiles and explosive drones against Israel. The Israeli military has responded by activating an additional reserve brigade in the north.

In response to these developments, Netanyahu is reportedly planning a special meeting to discuss hostage negotiations, according to an Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The war has displaced about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, who face severe shortages of basic necessities including food, water, medicine, and fuel.