The Israeli army announced on Thursday the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in a military operation in Rafah.

Sinwar, who is thought to have orchestrated the 7 October attack on Israel, became the leader of Hamas in Gaza after succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, following Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran in August. 

Earlier, the Israeli army and Shin Bet released a joint statement suggesting that Sinwar was "highly likely" killed during Israeli ground operations in Gaza. During these operations, Israeli forces reportedly engaged with and killed three militants. 

To verify the identification, the bodies of the militants were retrieved for DNA testing. 

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz hailed the elimination of "the mass murderer Yahya Sinwar," praising this as "a great military and moral achievement for Israel and a victory for the entire free world against the evil axis of radical Islam led by Iran."

Katz said the killing “creates a possibility” for getting the hostages out immediately and for creating a Gaza "free of Hamas and Iranian control."

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called on Hamas to release the hostages and surrender following Sinwar's death.

“The killing of Sinwar is part of a long series of eliminations – from Nasrallah to Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif and many more. We will pursue and eliminate our enemies," he stated. 

“This is a clear message to all of our enemies that the Israeli army will reach anyone who attempts to harm the citizens of Israel or our security forces, and we will bring you to justice.”