Harris says Yahya Sinwar's death is a chance to finally end Israel-Gaza war Israel-Gaza war

Kamala Harris hailed the death of Yahya Sinwar as an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza and prepare for “the day after” when Hamas no longer dominates the territory.

The US vice president and Democratic candidate said “justice had been done” with the death of the Hamas leader, adding that the US, Israel and the rest of the world would be “better off for it.”

In a titanic campaign with Donald Trump to win the battleground state of Michigan, home to a large Arab-American voting bloc sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, Harris also pushed for an end to years of hostilities that have killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza and left a trail of destruction in the area.

“Hamas is decimated and its leadership is eliminated,” she said. “This moment gives us the opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza.” The end of the conflict must be accompanied by the security of Israel, the release of the remaining hostages and an end to the suffering in Gaza, she said.

She also indicated her support for Palestinian statehood, saying it should proclaim Palestinians' rights to “dignity, security, freedom and self-determination.”

Her comments echoed those of Joe Biden, who has been criticized by progressives for his unwavering support of Israel even as Netanyahu ignored his pleas to avoid civilian casualties and ease humanitarian suffering in the tiny coastal territory.

“Israel had every right to eliminate the leadership and military structure of Hamas,” Biden said in comments apparently aimed at responding to criticism of his support.

He said Sinwar had been an “insurmountable obstacle” to a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. “This obstacle no longer exists. But there is still a lot of work ahead of us,” he said.

Biden said he would talk to Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders about “ending this war once and for all.”

After the two leaders spoke late Thursday night, the White House said they “discussed how to use this moment to bring the hostages home and end the war, while ensuring Israel's security.” and Hamas will never again be able to control Gaza.”

However, Netanyahu – who has been accused of delaying a ceasefire agreement – suggested the conflict was far from over. “The war is still ongoing,” he said in a televised address late Thursday.

Antony Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, called Sinwar – the architect of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel – a “vicious and unrepentant terrorist” and said he had repeatedly torpedoed agreements that would have ended the conflict.

“Sinwar has repeatedly rejected efforts in recent months by the United States and its partners to end this war through an agreement that would return the hostages to their families and ease the suffering of the Palestinian people,” Blinken said.

The news was also welcomed by US Congressional leaders. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sinwar's life was “the embodiment of evil and characterized by hatred of everything good in the world.”

“His death brings hope to all who want to live in freedom and relief to the Israelis he sought to oppress,” Johnson said.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he hoped the event would lead to an “end to hostilities, ensuring the security of the Israeli people and enabling comprehensive humanitarian assistance and a new path forward for the people of Gaza.” becomes”.

Former CIA director David Petraeus told the BBC that Sinwar's death was “bigger” than the killing of Osama bin Laden by US special forces in 2011 because it was “both extremely symbolic… and extremely operational” since Sinwar was the overall leader of Hamas.

The news was also welcomed by European figures and the NATO alliance.

Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, called Sinwar “the mastermind of the deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust,” adding: “Today my thoughts are with the families of these victims. The UK will not mourn his death.

“The release of all hostages, an immediate ceasefire and an increase in humanitarian assistance are long overdue so that we can achieve long-term, sustainable peace in the Middle East.”

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on France demands the release of all hostages still held by Hamas.”

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called for the hostages to be released. “I am convinced that a new phase should begin: it is time for the release of all hostages, for the immediate declaration of a ceasefire and for the reconstruction of Gaza to begin,” she said.

The sentiment was echoed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who said Hamas should “lay down its weapons.”