Israeli military claims to have “eliminated” Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, in an operation in the southern Gaza Strip after a year-long pursuit. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz labelled Sinwar a “mass murderer” responsible for the October 7 attack, asserting that he was targeted since the onset of the conflict.
Sinwar became the leader of Hamas after the killing of former political chief Ismail Haniyeh in July, who was allegedly killed by Israel. Sinwar’s potential death is seen as a significant blow to Hamas, which is reportedly weakened over a year into the conflict.
Israel has broadened its military operations to Lebanon in response to attacks from Hezbollah, which opened a front against Israel with low-intensity cross-border strikes. Israel has conducted airstrikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre and issued evacuation warnings for civilians in Hezbollah strongholds in the eastern Bekaa Valley. Israel has targeted Hezbollah positions in Syria as part of its military operations.
Israeli air strikes on a school in Jabalia, northern Gaza, reportedly killed at least 14 displaced people, while the military claimed to have targeted militants. A UN assessment warned that around 345,000 Gazans are facing “catastrophic” hunger levels this winter due to reduced aid, with nearly the entire population now living in poverty and an unemployment rate of nearly 80%. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) noted that the impact of the conflict will have lasting effects on Gaza for generations.
Israel’s actions are raising concerns of an escalation into a broader regional conflict.