Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group declared on Friday that it is entering a new and more aggressive phase in its conflict with Israel, following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. This escalation is seen as part of a broader regional response, with Iran affirming that “the spirit of resistance will be strengthened” in the wake of Sinwar’s death. Sinwar, who orchestrated the devastating October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, was killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
Sinwar’s death marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing Gaza war, a conflict that has continued for over a year. Western leaders expressed cautious optimism that his demise could open the door to peace negotiations. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained resolute, emphasizing that the conflict will persist until all hostages held by Hamas are returned. “Today we have settled the score,” Netanyahu said in a statement on Thursday. “But our task is not yet complete. We will continue full force until all our loved ones are home.”
Sinwar was believed to have been hiding in a vast network of tunnels constructed by Hamas beneath Gaza. His location was revealed during a gun battle with Israeli troops in southern Gaza, though the soldiers were initially unaware they had targeted Israel’s most wanted figure. Drone footage later confirmed Sinwar’s identity, showing him in a dust-covered chair amidst the rubble of a destroyed building.
Although Hamas has not officially commented on the situation, sources within the group acknowledged that the evidence strongly suggests Sinwar was killed. His death, Western leaders hope, may create an opening for ceasefire discussions, but many in the region are preparing for an intensification of the conflict instead.
Sinwar’s death comes at a time when the region faces the prospect of a broader war. Israel has expanded its ground operations in Lebanon over the past month and is formulating a response to a recent missile attack from Iran, a close ally of both Hamas and Hezbollah. The risk of a wider conflict continues to grow, with tensions reaching new heights following the assassination.
U.S. President Joe Biden, in a call with Netanyahu, congratulated Israel on the successful operation. The U.S. is pushing for talks to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of the remaining hostages. “The chief obstacle to peace has been removed,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, referring to Sinwar’s refusal to engage in negotiations in recent weeks.
Iran, however, showed no signs of softening its stance, asserting that Sinwar’s death would only bolster the resistance. “The spirit of resistance will be strengthened,” Iran’s mission to the United Nations declared. Hezbollah, in solidarity, announced its intention to step up its confrontations with Israel, signaling a dangerous escalation in the conflict.
Despite hopes for progress, the families of Israeli hostages remain in anguish. Many expressed that while Sinwar’s death might bring a sense of justice, it offers no true solace as long as their loved ones remain in captivity. Avi Marciano, whose daughter Noa was killed while being held hostage by Hamas, said, “The monster who took her is gone, but there will be comfort only when all our girls are home.”
In Gaza, defiance remains strong among Palestinians. Thabet Amour, a displaced resident of Khan Younis, voiced a sentiment echoed by many. “Resistance does not die when leaders are killed,” he said. “The assassination of Sinwar will not bring about surrender or compromise.”
