Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Israeli authorities said they killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who has been credited as the mastermind behind the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The development comes as Israel continues intense air and ground campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The uptick in offensive operations came after Israel marked the anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 assault, and as Israeli leaders planned their response to Iran's latest ballistic missile attack.
The Israel Defense Forces released drone footage they say shows Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday before he was killed.
A damaged building and a man sitting in a chair with his face covered can be seen in the footage.
IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel said Sinwar was wounded in a shooting and is shown in the footage throwing a wooden plank at the drone.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces on Thursday, but vowed to continue the war "with all our strength" until the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza are returned.
"I would like to say again, in the clearest way: Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the beginning of the day after Hamas, and this is an opportunity for you, the residents of Gaza, to finally break free from its tyranny," Netanyahu said in a recorded message.
"The war, my dears, is not over yet. And it is difficult, and it exacts heavy prices from us," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu said Sinwar was killed when he fled IDF soldiers in a panic on Thursday.
"Now it is clear to everyone, in Israel and in the world, why we insisted on not ending the war. Why did we insist, in the face of all the pressures, to enter Rafah, the fortified stronghold of Hamas where Sinwar and many of the murderers hid," Netanyahu said.
"We are in a war for our existence. Big challenges are still ahead," Netanyahu said.
Israeli leaders celebrated the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was assassinated by Israeli forces on Thursday.
Israel President Isaac Herzog commended the Israel Defense Forces for the killing and said Israel must act in every way possible to bring back the remaining 101 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.
"Sinwar, the mastermind behind the deadly October 7th attack, has for years been responsible for heinous acts of terrorism against Israeli civilians, citizens of other countries, and the murder of thousands of innocent people. His evil endeavors were dedicated to terror, bloodshed, and destabilizing the Middle East," Herzog said in a statement.
Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant also saluted IDF soldiers.
"The elimination of Sinwar joins a long series of eliminations -- from Nasrallah to Muhammad Deif and many more. We will pursue and eliminate our enemies. Sinwar died while beaten, persecuted and on the run -- he didn’t die as a commander, but as someone who only cared for himself," Gallant said in a statement.
"This is a clear message to all of our enemies -- the IDF will reach anyone who attempts to harm the citizens of Israel or our security forces, and we will bring you to justice," Gallant said.
Benny Gantz, the former IDF chief of staff and former minister of defense, applauded the killing, but said "the mission is not over."
"The IDF will continue to operate in the Gaza Strip for years to come, and now the series of achievements and the elimination of Sinwar must be taken advantage of to bring about the return of the abductees and the replacement of Hamas' rule. On this day, we will also remember the painful price of the war, all the murdered and martyrs, and we will strengthen all our heroic soldiers who have been working for over a year in all arenas to ensure that never again," Gantz said.
-ABC News' Jordana Miller
Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces on Thursday, Israel Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed in a statement.
"The master murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers," Katz said.
-ABC News' Guy Davies
