Revenge achieved: Oct 7 mastermind killed

Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza, his death paves the way for release of hostages

ISRAELI forces in Gaza killed Hamas' top leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of last year's attack on Israel that sparked the war, the military said on Thursday. Troops appeared to have run across him unknowingly in a battle, only to discover afterwards that a body in the rubble was Israel's most wanted man.

Israeli leaders celebrated his killing as a settling of scores, just over a year after Hamas-led militants surged out of Gaza into southern Israel in an attack that stunned the country.

They also presented it as a moment for Hamas to surrender and release some 100 hostages it still holds captive.

Still, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Our war has not yet ended." Besides seeking the release of hostages, Netanyahu has said Israel must keep long-term control over Gaza to ensure Hamas does not rearm opening the possibility of continued fighting.

For Hamas, Sinwar's death is a crippling blow, but it has continually proven resilient during the war. There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas of Sinwar's death.