Yesterday, Israel announced its forces had killed Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ top leader, in a battle in Rafah. Families of hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attacks praised this development. They expressed a belief that Sinwar’s death represents the best chance of hope to attain a deal to release their loved ones from captivity.

In a statement, the Hostages Family Forum said, “We call on the Israeli government, world leaders, and mediating countries to leverage the military achievement into a diplomatic one by pursuing an immediate agreement for the release of all 101 hostages: the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for proper burial.”

World leaders joined them in this sentiment, expressing hope that the development could usher an end to the year-long war.

Shortly after the announcement of Sinwar’s death, President Joe Biden said in a statement that he would be reaching out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders “to congratulate them, to discuss the pathway for bringing the hostages home to their families, and for ending this war once and for all, which has caused so much devastation to innocent people.”

In a speech, Netanyahu said this is “the beginning of the day after Hamas” and called on the residents of Gaza to break free from their tyranny. He called on those who still hold hostages to release them without harm and said, if they do so, they will be allowed to leave.

However, the Prime Minister was quick to say, “The war isn’t over yet.”

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinkin had previously stated that Sinwar was the last remaining obstacle standing in the way of a deal to release the hostages. He said yesterday: “In the days ahead, the United States will redouble its efforts with partners to end this conflict, secure the release of all hostages, and chart a new path forward that will enable the people of Gaza to rebuild their lives and realize their aspirations free from war and free from the brutal grip of Hamas.”

Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris said in a speech that the elimination of Hamas’ leadership “gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza.”

Since the beginning of the conflict, Good Faith Media has shared voices and stories from those representing all sides of the conflict. We will continue to do so as we strive and pray with people of good faith everywhere for an end to the devastation.