Harris: Opportunity for Lasting Peace in Gaza After Hamas Leadership Decimated

“Justice has been served,” said U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar by Israeli defense forces. In her statement, Harris emphasized the need to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas to Israel and expressed hope that the families of the victims would find some relief.

Harris referred to Sinwar as the architect of the October 7 attacks on Israel, highlighting the collaboration between U.S. and Israeli forces in tracking him down. She stated, “Sinwar had American blood on his hands,” and reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism.

She framed Sinwar’s elimination as a significant opportunity to end the war in Gaza, advocating for Israel’s security, the release of hostages, and the dignity and rights of the Palestinian people.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz confirmed Sinwar’s death, calling it a significant victory against terrorism and suggesting it could facilitate the release of hostages. U.S. President Joe Biden also praised the operation, stating it exemplifies that no terrorist can evade justice, drawing parallels to the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the taking of more than 250 hostages. Following this, Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas, aiming to dismantle the group while minimizing civilian casualties.