Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, announced on Friday that it is entering a new and intensified phase in its conflict with Israel.
This statement followed Iran’s remarks that “the spirit of resistance will be strengthened” in the wake of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Sinwar, who orchestrated the attack on October 7, 2023, that sparked the ongoing Gaza war, was killed by Israeli forces in a military operation within the Palestinian enclave on Wednesday. This incident marks a significant moment in the protracted conflict.
In a recorded video statement following the confirmation of the death on Thursday, Netanyahu remarked, “Today we have settled the score. Today evil has been dealt a blow but our task has still not been completed.
“To the dear hostage families, I say: This is an important moment in the war. We will continue full force until all your loved ones, our loved ones, are home.”
While Western leaders have suggested that Sinwar’s death could provide an opportunity to end the hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the war will continue until all hostages held by Hamas are released.
U.S. President Joe Biden, in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, extended his congratulations following the death of Sinwar. Biden suggested that this development presents an opportunity to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza and facilitate the return of Israeli hostages.
According to U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the United States aims to initiate discussions on a proposal aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages. He described Sinwar as the “chief obstacle” to resolving the ongoing war.
He said, “That obstacle has obviously been removed. Can’t predict that that means whoever replaces (Sinwar) will agree to a ceasefire, but it does remove what has been in recent months the chief obstacle to getting one.”
On Friday, the Israeli military announced the death of Muhammad Hassin Ramal, the commander of Hezbollah in the Tayibe region of southern Lebanon.
There has been no indication from Iran of any change in its support following the killing of Sinwar.
Yahya Sinwar, appointed as the overall leader of Hamas after the assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, was believed to have been hiding in the extensive network of tunnels constructed by Hamas beneath Gaza over the past two decades.
Israeli troops killed him during a gun battle in southern Gaza on Wednesday, initially unaware they had encountered the nation’s top adversary, according to Israeli officials.
The military subsequently released drone footage purportedly showing Sinwar seated in an armchair, covered in dust, within a destroyed building.
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