Saturday, 21 December 2024
Saturday, 21 December 2024
The assassination of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's top leader and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attacks, has set off a storm of responses from global leaders and organisations. Israel hailed the killing as a victory, while others framed it as a turning point or a catalyst for further conflict. Here’s what the world is saying about Sinwar’s death.
White House: 'Killing Sinwar could shift the tide'
"Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was the chief obstacle to securing a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, and his killing by Israel's defense force creates an 'inflection point' that could accelerate talks to wind down the war," said John Kirby, White House spokesperson.
Kirby emphasised the significance: "We believe, continue to believe, that finding an end to the war is critical, and we also believe that Mr. Sinwar's death ... can provide an inflection point to getting there."
However, Kirby clarified: "I wish I could tell you today that we're getting the teams back together in Doha, and we're starting afresh. That's not where we are right now."
Joe Biden: 'A good day for Israel—and the world'
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism: "This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world." He described Sinwar’s death as an "opportunity" to free Israeli hostages and bring the conflict closer to an end.
Hamas: 'No hostages without ceasefire'
Khalil al-Hayya, deputy to Sinwar, confirmed the killing but reiterated Hamas's stance: "Those prisoners will not return to you before the end of the aggression on Gaza and the withdrawal from Gaza."
Hamas also hailed Sinwar’s actions: "He ascended as a heroic martyr, advancing and not retreating, brandishing his weapon, engaging and confronting the occupation army at the forefront of the ranks."
Hezbollah: 'Prepare for escalation'
Hezbollah announced on Friday that it will "enter a new and escalating phase with Israel" in response to the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by the Israeli military in Gaza on Thursday.
The militant group responded by intensifying attacks on Israel’s northern border: "We fired large missile salvos at a military barracks in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and the Zvulun area north of Haifa. Our fighters have used new types of precision-guided missiles and explosive drones against Israel for the first time in recent days."
Netanyahu: 'The war Is far from over'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the killing a milestone but vowed to continue military operations. "The war, my dear ones, is not yet over," he said, promising to fight until Hamas's hostages are released.
"We have before us a great opportunity to stop the axis of evil and create a different future," Netanyahu added, referring to Iran and its allies.
Iran: 'Martyrs live forever'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded on X: "Martyrs live forever, and the cause for liberation of Palestine from occupation is more alive than ever." Araqchi’s words reaffirmed Iran’s long-standing support for Palestinian resistance movements.
Germany: 'A turning point for peace?'
Germany urged that Sinwar’s death must lead to progress in the conflict. "The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar must lead to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages," said a government spokesperson.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed this sentiment: "This could be a turning point in order to reach a ceasefire, free the hostages, and get more aid into Gaza."
(With inputs from agencies)
