(NewsNation) — President Joe Biden says securing a cease-fire and bringing hostages home are the main focuses after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war isn’t over. Meanwhile, Hezbollah says Sinwar’s death only stands to escalate its war with Israel.
Israeli, US response to Sinwar’s death
Following Thursday’s announcement, Israel’s military released a drone video that shows a person they say is Sinwar just before he died by Israeli tank fire.
Biden spoke with Netanyahu after Sinwar’s death and congratulated him on the news. Despite a renewed push for a cease-fire, however, Israel said the war isn’t over.
Netanyahu said he wants Israel to maintain long-term control over Gaza and added that any Hamas member who helps with hostage rescue and turns their weapons in will be offered amnesty.
In Iran, Sinwar’s death has strengthened the spirit of resistance, the country’s UN team said.
The U.S. military has boots on the ground in Israel operating an air defense system to protect against a possible Iranian attack.
Hostages in Hamas detention
About 101 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas custody and dozens are believed to be dead.
Twenty-three-year-old Israeli American soldier Omer Neutra is one of those remaining hostages believed to be alive.
Hamas took him in October 2023. His parents called for peace after the announcement of Sinwar’s death.
“We are at an inflection point where the goals set for the war with Gaza have been achieved, all but the release of the hostages,” Neutera’s father, Ronen Neutra, said.
Sinwar was described as a major obstacle to a deal.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to travel to Israel early next week.
