Israel-Gaza-Lebanon live updates: Biden calls Sinwar killing 'a moment of justice'

President Joe Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday afternoon to discuss the war in Ukraine and security threats in the Middle East.

Ahead of that meeting, Biden called Israel’s killing of Yahya Sinwar "a moment of justice."

"He had the blood of Americans, and Israelis, Palestinians and Germans, and so many others, on his hands," Biden said. "I told the prime minister of Israel yesterday, let's also make this moment an opportunity to seek a path to peace, a better future in Gaza without Hamas."

-ABC News' Justin Ryan Gomez

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla issued a statement Thursday congratulating the Israel Defense Forces on the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

"U.S. Central Command's support to the Israel Defense Forces remains ironclad," said Kurilla. "Our commitment to countering terrorists throughout the Middle East, with allies and partners, continues to be a top priority. Those who choose the path of terrorism should expect the same fate as Sinwar."

CENTCOM is the combatant command that oversees U.S. missions in the Middle East.

An earlier statement from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called Sinwar’s killing a "major achievement in counterterrorism” and said it provides an opportunity for a lasting cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

“Our top and most urgent priority is to secure the release of each and every hostage, including our own American citizens," Austin said in a statement. "The hostages should not have to suffer for another hour in the clutches of Hamas and other terrorists. Those who are holding them should release them now."

Hezbollah said Thursday they are transitioning into a "new, escalated phase" in the "confrontation with the Israeli enemy," after Israeli forces and officials announced the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

This new phase in the conflict "will be revealed by the developments and events in the coming days," Hezbollah said in the statement.

-ABC News' Josiane Hajj Moussa

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.