On Thursday, October 17, the US Army confirmed that its troops were not involved in the Israeli operation resulting in the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. However, US intelligence had provided support regarding Hamas leaders involved in hostage situations last year. Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder stated, "This was an Israeli operation. The US military was not directly involved. The US has assisted with intelligence and information to track down and locate Hamas leaders responsible for the hostages."
He further added, "Nonetheless, it remains an Israeli campaign, and I recommend discussing details of this operation with them."
What Did Biden Say?
Following Yahya Sinwar's death, US President Joe Biden remarked, "Israeli officials have informed my national security team that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has perished in Gaza. DNA testing has now confirmed Sinwar's demise. It is a good day for Israel, the United States, and the world."
Yahya Sinwar Killed in Israeli Attack
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Yahya Sinwar, responsible for the massacre and atrocities on October 7, was killed by the IDF. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that while they've settled the score for October 7, the battle is not yet over.
Yahya Sinwar rose as the Hamas chief in August this year following Ismail Haniyeh's death on July 31 at the hands of Israel.
Read more: Israel Celebrates the Death of 'The Butcher of Khan Yunis' Yahya Sinwar, Once a Prisoner for 22 Years
Yahya Sinwar earned several monikers. Some dubbed him the 'Osama bin Laden of Hamas,' while others labeled him 'The Executioner of Khan Yunis.' In Israel, he was referred to as 'The Hitler of Terror.' His cruelty extended to torturing even Palestinians suspected of treason against Hamas and loyalty to Israel. His strength lay in the extensive tunnel networks in Gaza, which harbored many of his secrets.
The 'Butcher of Khan Yunis' Known as Laden
Yahya Sinwar was also called 'The Butcher of Khan Yunis.' On October 7, following the attacks, Israeli media likened him to the infamous terrorist Osama bin Laden. Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht described him as 'the face of evil,' even referred to him as a 'dead man walking.' Sinwar was born in 1962 in a Palestinian refugee camp in Khan Yunis, South Gaza, which earned him the notorious title, as he was known for unabashed public massacres.
