Hamas Leader Dies but End to the Violent Conflict Still Not in Sight
As the violent turmoil between Israel and Hamas in Gaza entered its second year last Oct, 07 the question on when it will end is still unanswered even with the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Last Wednesday (Oct. 17, 2024), Sinwar, Israel’s most wanted Hamas leader was killed by a bullet to the head in an exchange of gunfire that transpired during a routine Israeli ground operation in Rafah City In the Gaza Strip.
Sinwar was generally regarded by the Biden administration as a major stumbling block to efforts working toward arriving at a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Yet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not given any signs of readiness to go back to the negotiating table for a ceasefire agreement.
Both Israel and Hamas Have Not Shown Willingness to Negotiate a Ceasefire Deal
Sinwar’s death was confirmed by Hamas but gave a message that it will not end the war against Israel unless the latter releases its Palestinian prisoners. Moreover, as the militant group has been waging armed resistance against Israel as a means of fulfilling a goal to make Gaza a Palestinian state, they vow to end the violent attacks only if Israel withdraws from Gaza.
The group’s most violent attack against Israel was on October 07, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people. Hamas also took 251 Israelis and other foreign nationals as hostages during the Oct. 07 attack. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to steadfastly keep the war against Hamas going until the group releases all the hostages they’ve taken.