The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in an Israeli airstrike could provide a long-awaited opening to finally end the devastating war in Gaza, according to top officials in the US and Europe. However, with hostilities still raging, the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles.
US Vice President Kamala Harris hailed the demise of the Hamas strongman as a chance to halt the bloodshed that has claimed over 42,000 lives in the impoverished enclave since fighting erupted a year ago. “Hamas is decimated and its leadership is eliminated,” Harris declared. “This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war.”
The VP, locked in a fierce election battle with GOP rival Donald Trump, said any deal must ensure Israel’s security, free remaining hostages held by Hamas, and alleviate the immense suffering in Gaza. She also hinted at backing Palestinian statehood by calling for their rights to “dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.”
Blinken: Sinwar “Rebuffed” Peace Efforts
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken branded the slain Hamas chief a “vicious and unrepentant terrorist” who had spurned multiple opportunities to end the conflict in recent months. “Sinwar rebuffed efforts by the United States and its partners to bring this war to a close,” Blinken stated.
President Biden, under fire from progressives over his staunch support for Israel, said he would engage Israeli leaders on “ending this war once and for all” now that the “insurmountable obstacle” of Sinwar was gone. The White House later said Biden and Netanyahu discussed how to “bring the hostages home and to bring the war to a close.”
Europe Urges Hamas to Disarm
Across the Atlantic, European heads of state welcomed news of Sinwar’s death and demanded that Hamas lay down its weapons and free captive Israelis. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country “will not mourn” the “mastermind” of deadly attacks, while French President Emmanuel Macron insisted “all hostages still held by Hamas” must be released.
“I am convinced that a new phase should be launched: it is time for all the hostages to be released, for a ceasefire to be immediately proclaimed and for the reconstruction of Gaza to begin.”
– Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
NATO also praised the development, with Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock urging Hamas to “lay down its arms” to clear the way for a truce and humanitarian relief. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that the battle was not over, declaring on TV that “the war is still ongoing.”
Aid Groups: Gaza on “Brink of Collapse”
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. Aid agencies warn that the territory’s battered infrastructure is on the “brink of total collapse” after a year of war and 15 years of Israeli-Egyptian blockade. Over 80% of the population relies on humanitarian assistance to survive.
“What we are seeing in Gaza is unlike anything we have seen before,” lamented a senior official with a major international relief organization active in the area. “If a genuine rebuilding effort doesn’t begin immediately, I fear an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”
Whether Sinwar’s death will be the catalyst that finally stops the bloodletting and alleviates Gaza’s misery is a question that remains to be answered. As one exasperated European diplomat put it: “We’ve had so many false dawns before. I pray this time is different, but I’ll believe it when I see it.”
President Biden, under fire from progressives over his staunch support for Israel, said he would engage Israeli leaders on “ending this war once and for all” now that the “insurmountable obstacle” of Sinwar was gone. The White House later said Biden and Netanyahu discussed how to “bring the hostages home and to bring the war to a close.”
Europe Urges Hamas to Disarm
Across the Atlantic, European heads of state welcomed news of Sinwar’s death and demanded that Hamas lay down its weapons and free captive Israelis. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his country “will not mourn” the “mastermind” of deadly attacks, while French President Emmanuel Macron insisted “all hostages still held by Hamas” must be released.
“I am convinced that a new phase should be launched: it is time for all the hostages to be released, for a ceasefire to be immediately proclaimed and for the reconstruction of Gaza to begin.”
– Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
NATO also praised the development, with Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock urging Hamas to “lay down its arms” to clear the way for a truce and humanitarian relief. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that the battle was not over, declaring on TV that “the war is still ongoing.”
Aid Groups: Gaza on “Brink of Collapse”
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. Aid agencies warn that the territory’s battered infrastructure is on the “brink of total collapse” after a year of war and 15 years of Israeli-Egyptian blockade. Over 80% of the population relies on humanitarian assistance to survive.
“What we are seeing in Gaza is unlike anything we have seen before,” lamented a senior official with a major international relief organization active in the area. “If a genuine rebuilding effort doesn’t begin immediately, I fear an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”
Whether Sinwar’s death will be the catalyst that finally stops the bloodletting and alleviates Gaza’s misery is a question that remains to be answered. As one exasperated European diplomat put it: “We’ve had so many false dawns before. I pray this time is different, but I’ll believe it when I see it.”
