EU’s Borrell says Sinwar was ‘obstacle’ to Gaza ceasefire
The EU’s foreign policy chief has described Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as “an obstacle to an urgently needed ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages”.
“Yahya Sinwar was a terrorist, listed by the EU, responsible for the heinous 7/10 attack,” Josep Borrell wrote on X. “There must be an end to violence, liberation of hostages [and] stop to the suffering of Palestinians,” Borrell added.
Israeli forces reportedly assassinated Sinwar in southern Gaza during an operation on Wednesday. Hamas is yet to comment on his alleged killing.
Reported killing of Sinwar not ‘an opening’ for Israeli talks to end war on Gaza: Analyst
Hassan Mneimneh, a political analyst with the Middle East Institute, told Al Jazeera that speculation Israel’s Netanyahu may be more inclined to strike a ceasefire deal for captives with Hamas following the reported killing of its leader Yahya Sinwar was based on a false assumption.
“It’s based on the false premise that it was Hamas and Sinwar that stood in the way of an agreement,” Mneimneh told Al Jazeera.
“Everyone recognises – whether implicitly or explicitly – that it was Netanyahu’s decision, Israel’s decision not to accept any sort of an agreement that does not amount to the full surrender of Hamas,” he said.
“So this is why, at this point, to pretend that this is an opening [for talks with Hamas] – given that it is based on this false premise – is dishonest,” he said.
Israel Gaza: Hamas says it accepts ceasefire proposal, May 6 BBC
Iran says Sinwar’s death will strengthen spirit of resistance
Iran’s mission to the United Nations said the final moments of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar will be a model for resistance to Israel.
“When Muslims look up to the Martyr Sinwar standing on the battlefield – in combat attire and out in the open, not in a hideout, facing the enemy – the spirit of resistance will be strengthened,” the mission wrote in a post on X.
“He will become a model for the youth and children who will carry forward his path towards the liberation of Palestine,” the mission said. “As long as occupation and aggression exist, resistance will endure, for the martyr remains alive and a source of inspiration,” it added.
