Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, believed to be an architect of the militant group’s deadly October 7, 2023, terror attack that set off the war in Gaza, was killed by Israeli forces. Follow for live news updates.

• Hamas has confirmed the death of its leader Yahya Sinwar but said it will not free hostages in Gaza until Israel ends the war, fully withdraws from the strip and releases Palestinian prisoners. • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sinwar’s killing marks “the beginning of the day after” for the militant group, also vowing to keep fighting in Gaza until all hostages are returned home. Still, US officials have said they hope Sinwar’s death can lead to a ceasefire and the release of hostages. • Sinwar, Israel’s most wanted man since Hamas’ October 7 attack last year, was killed in a chance encounter during a routine ground patrol in Rafah, Israeli officials said. Drone footage released by the Israeli military showed what seemed to be Sinwar’s final moments. • The World Health Organization said Israel is blocking multiple medical organizations from entering Gaza — the first time entire health agencies have been denied access during the war. Israel has rejected the accusations. A hospital director in northern Gaza said it is overwhelmed by patients and is grappling with the number of babies born prematurely due to the stress on women caused by heavy bombing. The Israeli military on Friday released new video of a tank firing at the building where it said Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had taken shelter after a firefight with Israeli soldiers and was later found dead. The video shows a tank pointing at an already damaged building, then smoke and dust coming out of the building’s windows once it is hit.