Biden and Harris say Sinwar’s death, which is yet to be confirmed by Hamas, brings the Gaza war closer to an end.United States President Joe Biden has congratulated Israel on its announcement of killing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, calling it “a relief” for Israel and a step towards ending the Gaza war.
Biden also said on Thursday that the claimed assassination of Sinwar, which Hamas has not confirmed, was an opportunity for a “political settlement” to the conflict.
“This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world,” Biden said in a statement after Israeli officials announced they had killed Sinwar and confirmed identity.
“Today…proves once again that no terrorists anywhere in the world can escape justice, no matter how long it takes,” he said.
Biden added that the US helped Israeli forces “locate and track” Sinwar, along with more of Hamas’ leaders.
Sinwar became the head the group’s political bureau after his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in July in an attack widely blamed on Israel.
“Sinwar was a critical figure operationally, militarily and politically for Hamas,” said US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, referring to his claimed killing as an “opportunity”.
“He had in fact consolidated control of both the political and military wing under his singular leadership in recent weeks and months and so this is a very significant event.”
Sinwar, who spent two decades in Israeli prison, had been a top target for Israel since the October 7 attack, which Israel says he masterminded.
US says ‘opportunity for a day after’
US officials said Sinwar’s death removed an obstacle to ending the Gaza war, in which Israeli forces have killed over 42,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians.
“Ther …