WASHINGTON DC, USA - President Joe Biden on Thursday, October 17, 2024, lauded the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, calling it a significant victory for Israel, the United States, and global security.
In a statement issued by the White House, Biden confirmed that DNA tests had verified Sinwar's death, following an Israeli military operation in Gaza.
"This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world," Biden said, emphasising Sinwar's role as the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
The coordinated assault by Hamas, which Biden described as marked by "unspeakable savagery," resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, including 46 Americans.
"Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, and citizens from over 30 countries," Biden said.
He pointed to Sinwar's involvement in ordering the kidnappings and brutal massacres that occurred during the attack.
"He was the mastermind of the October 7th massacres, rapes, and kidnappings," Biden added.
Hamas's surprise attack on Israel, which Biden noted was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, also led to more than 250 hostages being taken.
According to Biden, 101 people remain unaccounted for, including seven Americans, four of whom are believed to still be alive and held by Hamas.
Sinwar, 62, was a central figure in Hamas, having served as the group's political leader in Gaza since 2017.
Biden acknowledged the role of U.S. intelligence in helping Israel track Sinwar and other Hamas leaders who had been hiding in Gaza's extensive tunnel system.
The president described the operation as a relentless pursuit to bring justice to the perpetrators of the October 7 attacks.
"With our intelligence help, the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] relentlessly pursued Hamas's leaders, flushing them out of their hiding places and forcing them onto the run," Biden said. He likened the moment to the U.S. mission to kill Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
Biden's statement underscored the importance of Sinwar's death in weakening Hamas's leadership and military capabilities.
"Hamas is no longer capable of carrying out another October 7," he declared. While congratulating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders, Biden expressed hope for a future political resolution in Gaza.
"There is now the opportunity for a 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power, and for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike," Biden said.
He acknowledged that Sinwar's removal represented a significant step toward that future but cautioned that "much work remains before us."
Biden is expected to speak with Netanyahu to discuss further steps, including efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages and bring an end to the conflict.
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