1 week Ago By Akshit Joshi
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Yahya Sinwar’s death could represent “the beginning of the end” of the war in the Gaza Strip. While Netanyahu’s statement is positive in terms of bringing about a halt to the war, one should not read too much into it as two of the major objectives of Israel - the ‘destruction’ of Hamas as military and political organisation and return of Israeli hostages, both remain unfulfilled New Delhi: The Israel-Hamas war has been ongoing for more than a year now and escalations seem unending. Since the war’s start in October of last year, Israel has been on the trial of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Sinwar, a key related to the October 7 attack on Israel has been absconding since the attack and there were several reports that he was hiding in tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip along with a barrage of bodyguards and a “human shield” of hostages seized from Israel. Israel though has finally been able to eliminate Sinwar, in what is being reported as a routine offensive, not explicitly sent out to target Sinwar in particular. Escalation or halt? Sinwar reportedly met his end in southern Gaza at the hands of the Israel Defense Forces unit from its 828th Bislamach Brigade while it was patrolling Tal al-Sultan region, an area of Rafah, on Wednesday.
Three fighters were identified and engaged by the Israeli troops, all subsequently eliminated. It was only when the soldiers inspected the bodies of those slain that they found out that one belonged to the Hamas leader. Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defence minister, said: “Sinwar died while beaten, persecuted and on the run – he didn’t die as a commander, but as someone who only cared for himself.
This is a clear message to all of our enemies.” The death of Yahya Sinwar marks an important point in this year-long war and has potential to change its future course. The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday is pivotal for the Israeli war effort and this was reiterated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well who said this could represent “the beginning of the end” of the war in the Gaza Strip.
While Netanyahu’s statement is positive in terms of bringing about a halt of the war, too much should not be read too much in it. Nonetheless it might serve as a start to a new chapter in the war and this is important, seeing offensives in the war have only escalated recently, especially after Iran directly engaged in missile attacks on Israel. While Netanyahu’s comments are optimistic, his main aim remains unchanged, which is to bring about the total ‘destruction’ of Hamas and bring back Israeli hostages home.
This he has repeated on many occasions. Netanyahu has faced significant pressure over the hostage situation and ceasefire may be difficult unless hostages are returned and many families of hostages may continue large demonstrations in that case. Netanyahu’s right wing party members have also threatened to resign from the coalition government if he agrees to a ceasefire before Hamas is destroyed and hostages are not returned.
The chances of Hamas rebuilding if not totally destroyed always remains a worry for Israel and while Yahya Sinwar’s death goes a long way in weakening the group, it is still not dead, especially with Iran supporting it financially and militarily. Then internal political speculations in Israel are another matter altogether, with many speculating that Netanyahu does not want to end the war as he would then have to answer for security failures that led to the initial October 7 attack. Another key thing to consider is the US Presidential election that is coming soon.
Who is elected as the US President will also have a huge impact on any decision that Netanyahau takes. The question of escalation or ceasefire is thus far from over and while Sinwar’s death is a cause for celebration for Israel, its larger objectives still remain unfulfilled and they might not let Netanyahu reach out to a ceasefire so soon. Click for more latest Opinion Analysis news .
Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. In his first stint in the industry, Akshit currently works in the Opinion and Explainer desk at News9Live. Attempting to explain the latest in the news, in easy and concise language, he looks to fulfil the role of an arbitrator of information to the general public, who might not always have the time or resources to do so.
He covers a spate of topics but environment and climate change are given special consideration. He also finds the intersection of society and culture, coming up in news, interesting..
