Hamas announces death of its top leader Yahya Sinwar and vows to hold hostages until Gaza war ends

GAZA STRIP — Head of the Hamas Movement in the Gaza Strip Khalil al-Hayya announced the death of Head of Hamas Political Bureau Yahya Sinwar, promising not to return the Israeli hostages, except for a cease-fire and withdrawal of the Israeli Army from the Strip, along with the release of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons.

Al-Hayya mourned Sinwar, pointing out that he was killed while confronting the Israeli Army.

“Sinwar death will only increase Hamas strength, rigidity and determination to continue their path,” he added.

Sinwar was born in a refugee camp in 1962 in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. He joined Hamas in the late 1980s, rising quickly through its ranks.

Sinwar had consolidated power during the war, becoming Hamas’ sole decision maker in Gaza following the killing of the other two top Hamas officials there, including Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital, Tehran.