The recent killing of Yahya Sinwar, Israel's most wanted figure, has been seen as a significant victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While this act has been hailed by many as a step towards peace, it also intensifies the demand on Netanyahu to cease hostilities and secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu described Sinwar's death as \"the beginning of the end\" of a conflict that has extended its reach to Lebanon and Yemen. He emphasized that peace could be achievable if Hamas disarms and returns the 101 Israeli and foreign hostages currently held.
Shira Efron, senior director of policy research at the pro-Israel Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation, stated, \"I think what we have now is an opportunity to use this moment in Gaza to close the front in Gaza.\" She added, \"You need to remember that this goes into the kishka (the guts) of Israeli society; they've avenged the mastermind Sinwar.\"
Despite these statements, the response from Hamas remains uncertain. Khalil Al-Hayya, deputy head of Hamas, declared that Israeli hostages would not be returned until Israeli aggression ceases and its forces withdraw.
Netanyahu's hardline allies, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, advocate for not stopping until Hamas achieves a \"complete surrender.\" However, discussions within the White House suggest a potential \"inflection point,\" leading some supporters of Israel's stern stance to consider the possibility of ending the conflict.
Jerusalem resident Erez Goldman commented, \"I think Netanyahu said the right thing last night. Give us the hostages, and when everyone – the hostages – returns, we'll leave.\" This sentiment reflects a growing segment of Israeli opinion that believes military victories are essential for lasting peace, even if it strains international alliances.
For months, Netanyahu has resisted calls from hostage families and global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. The elimination of militant leaders like Sinwar has been interpreted by many as validation of Israel's firm stance against yielding to international pressures.
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Netanyahu faces pressure to end Gaza conflict after killing of Sinwar
cgtn.com
