The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip 91Ƶends a reign of terror,91Ƶ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday, as some world leaders suggested his death may bring about a better chance of ending the current conflict and bringing lasting peace in the Middle East.
Sinwar was one of the chief architects of the attack on Israel last October that prompted an Israeli bombardment and ground invasion, and a conflict that has drawn in countries across the Middle East.
The Israeli military declared that it had killed Sinwar during a Wednesday battle in Gaza and confirmed his death with a DNA test. Israeli leaders celebrated his killing and believe it to be a moment for Hamas to surrender and release some 100 hostages it still holds captive, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said 91Ƶour war has not yet ended.91Ƶ
Trudeau called Sinwar a 91Ƶbrutal leader91Ƶ of a group Canada deems a terrorist organization.
91ƵUnder Sinwar91Ƶs leadership, Hamas carried out the horrific atrocities of Oct. 7, sought to destroy Israel, and launched senseless, devastating terrorist attacks on civilians across the region,91Ƶ Trudeau said. 91ƵToday delivers a measure of justice for his victims and their families.91Ƶ
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Sinwar91Ƶs 91Ƶlegacy of terror must be unequivocally and universally condemned.91Ƶ
91ƵHamas must immediately release hostages, lay down its arms, and have no role in the future governance of Gaza. A ceasefire must be secured.91Ƶ
U.S. President Joe Biden called Sinwar91Ƶs death a 91Ƶgood day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world,91Ƶ and said it represented an opportunity to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas and end the yearlong war in Gaza.
He said with Sinwar91Ƶs death 91Ƶthere is now the opportunity for a 91Ƶday after91Ƶ in Gaza without Hamas in power, and for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.91Ƶ
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sinwar repeatedly 91Ƶrebuffed efforts by the United States and its partners to bring this war to a close through an agreement that would return the hostages to their families and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.91Ƶ
He said the U.S. will step up its efforts to end the conflict, release the hostages and allow the people of Gaza to rebuild 91Ƶfree from the brutal grip of Hamas.91Ƶ