Gazans react to Israel's killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar: Video
Hamas declared on Friday, October 18, that it will not release hostages taken during its October 7 attack in Israel until the ongoing Gaza conflict ends.
This announcement came alongside the confirmation of the death of Yahya Sinwar, the group's leader, as stated by Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya in a video message.
Al-Hayya described Sinwar as a "great leader" and emphasized that the hostages would only return when hostilities cease, Israel withdraws from Gaza, and Palestinian prisoners are released.
Sinwar was instrumental in orchestrating the deadly attack that left over 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians. Since then, Hamas has held 251 individuals hostage, with 97 still unaccounted for, including 34 confirmed dead by Israeli officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Sinwar's death a significant development in the fight against Hamas, although many in Gaza doubt it will lead to an end to the violence.
