Netanyahu says after Sinwar’s death Israeli military will “continue forward until the end”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israeli forces will “continue forward until the end.”
Speaking briefly to Israeli media on Saturday, Netanyahu declared, “We eliminated the master murderer Yahya Sinwar,” emphasizing that Israel is engaged in a “war of resurrection.” He expressed pride in Israel’s soldiers and citizens, asserting, “No, nothing will deter us. We continue until victory.”
On Friday, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby noted that Sinwar was a major obstacle to achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, and his death could serve as an “inflection point” to expedite negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Israel accomplished its year-long mission to eliminate Sinwar, who was considered one of the architects of the October 7, 2023 attacks. However, while his death represents a significant setback for Hamas, the group has vowed to continue its fight, stating that the killing of leaders like Sinwar does not mark the end of their movement.
Israeli chief pathologist tells CNN Sinwar killed by bullet to the head
Dr. Chen Kugel, the chief pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Yahya Sinwar, confirmed to CNN that the Hamas leader died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Kugel, who works at Israel’s National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, noted that while Sinwar had sustained other severe injuries, including those from a tank shell or missile, he is confident that the fatal injury was the gunshot to the head.
Previously, the Israeli military stated that Sinwar was killed when a tank shell hit the building where he had already been wounded, without mentioning a gunshot as the cause of death.
“The cause of death is a gunshot wound to the head. He has a bullet in his head and there’s a severe traumatic brain injury,” Kugel, who signed Sinwar’s death certificate, explained during an interview with CNN.
When asked for comment on Kugel’s findings, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson reiterated that there was an exchange of gunfire and that the combat ended with the military firing a tank shell at the building. The spokesperson added that the IDF is still gathering details about the incident.
Kugel emphasized his confidence in his conclusions, which were drawn from his examination of Sinwar’s body. He stated that he was unaware of the Israeli military’s account until after the autopsy was completed.
“It is based on what I found on the body,” he said. “He has injuries from other sources, like a missile injury in his right forearm, fallen masonry on his left leg, and multiple shrapnel wounds to his chest. While these caused significant damage, the definitive cause of death is the gunshot wound to the head.”
