By Al-Fassel | 2024-10-21

The United States and global leaders urged Hamas to free its remaining hostages following the death of the group's leader Yahya Sinwar, considered the mastermind of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

Israel's military killed Sinwar in southern Gaza on October 16, just over a year after Hamas breached Israel's border under his direction and killed more than 1,200 civilians.

More than 250 men, women and children were taken hostage, including 12 US citizens, seven of whom are among the 101 hostages still missing, US Central Command Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said in an October 17 statement.

Israeli officials say 97 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 said to be dead, AFP reported.

US President Joe Biden hailed Sinwar's death as a "good day" for the world, saying it also removed a key obstacle to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.

France and Germany also renewed their call for the release of the hostages.

"There is now the opportunity for a 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power, and for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike," Biden said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described Sinwar as "a vicious and unrepentant terrorist" who was responsible for the murder of citizens of more than 30 countries.

"His decision to launch the October 7 terror attacks unleashed catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza, who have now endured the horrors of more than a year of war," he said.

"The world is a better place with him gone."

Redoubled efforts to end war

"Our commitment to countering terrorists throughout the Middle East, with allies and partners, continues to be a top priority," Kurilla said. "Those who choose the path of terrorism should expect the same fate as Sinwar."

On multiple occasions, Sinwar rebuffed US and partner efforts "to bring this war to a close through an agreement that would return the hostages to their families and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people," Blinken said.

"In the days ahead, the United States will redouble its efforts with partners to end this conflict, secure the release all hostages, and chart a new path forward that will enable the people of Gaza to rebuild their lives and realize their aspirations free from war and free from the brutal grip of Hamas," he said.

Blinken reaffirmed this commitment in October 17 phone calls with Qatari Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.