In a decisive blow to Hamas and global terrorism, Yahya Sinwar, the notorious leader of Hamas in Gaza and mastermind behind the October 7th massacre in Israel, was eliminated on Thursday, 17 October by the Israel Defense Forces. Sinwar, responsible for orchestrating the slaughter of over 1,200 innocent civilians, the raping of women, and the abduction of over 250 innocent men, women and children, had long epitomised the brutal tyranny of Hamas. His downfall marks a critical turning point in the war against Hamas terror and demonstrates Israel’s unwavering commitment to bringing justice to those who wage war on its citizens.
Sinwar was the chief architect of last year’s horrific attack, where over 1,200 men, women, and children were massacred in cold blood. As if this heinous crime wasn’t enough, under his direct orders, over 250 individuals—including the elderly, Holocaust survivors, and children—were kidnapped and taken into Gaza. Today, 101 hostages remain in captivity, representing innocent lives that include Jewish Israelis, Arab-Israelis, dual-nationals, and international citizens. Hamas terrorists continue to hold these hostages, using them as human shields, while also withholding the bodies of 29 individuals murdered during the attacks or subsequent abductions.
Sinwar is no hero to the Palestinians. Within Gaza, he was feared as “The Butcher of Khan Younis” for his acts of violence not to Israelis but to ordinary Palestinians. As the founder and head of al-Majd, Hamas’ internal security force, he was responsible for the abduction, torture, and murder of Palestinian informants and dissenters. His preferred methods of execution—razor blades and machetes—illustrated his sadistic nature. His reign of terror knew no bounds, and his victims included not only Israelis but Palestinians who lived in fear under his brutal rule.
Sinwar was not a freedom fighter; he was a war criminal. Under his leadership, Hamas committed acts of mass murder, rape, torture, and kidnapping. Hamas’ violent ideology spread terror both within Gaza and across Israel. The suffering endured by Gazans today is a direct result of Sinwar and Hamas’ actions. While hiding behind the civilian population and using Israeli hostages as shields, Sinwar ensured that both Palestinians and Israelis would remain trapped in cycles of violence.
Sinwar’s elimination is a crucial step towards restoring justice and advancing the cause of peace in the region. His death serves as a warning to other terrorists that they will be held accountable for their crimes. More importantly, it is a victory for innocent civilians on both sides, who have suffered under Hamas’ reign of terror.
We urge the South African government to use its influence to pressure Hamas to release the hostages and surrender.
