Lebanon’s Hezbollah announced on Friday that it was entering a more intense phase in its conflict with Israel. Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7, 2023, attack that led to the ongoing Gaza war, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Wednesday.
Western leaders viewed his death as a potential step toward ending the conflict, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted the war would continue until all hostages taken by Hamas were released.
"Today we have settled the score. Evil has been dealt a blow, but our mission is not yet complete," Netanyahu declared in a video, highlighting the ongoing nature of the operation. He reassured the families of the hostages, pledging to keep fighting until all captives were safely returned.
Sinwar, who became the head of Hamas after the assassination of political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, had been hiding in Hamas' tunnel network under Gaza. He was killed in a gunfight with Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza on Wednesday, though the troops were initially unaware they had captured Israel's most wanted figure.
Israeli forces released drone footage showing Sinwar in a destroyed building, covered in dust. Although Hamas has not issued an official response, internal sources indicated that signs suggest Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces.
Sinwar's death may escalate tensions in the Middle East, with Israel launching a ground campaign in Lebanon and planning a response to Iran's Oct. 1 missile attack.
U.S. President Biden, who congratulated Netanyahu, sees Sinwar's death as an opportunity for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, though Iran and Hezbollah remain defiant, vowing to intensify resistance.
Families of Israeli hostages acknowledged Sinwar's death as significant but said it is incomplete while hostages remain in Gaza. Avi Marciano, father of a victim, called Sinwar’s death " a little justice, but no comfort" until the remaining hostages return home.
In Gaza, Palestinian Thabet Amour stated that Sinwar's assassination would not end the resistance or lead to surrender.
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Israel said on Thursday that its forces struck Hezbollah positions across several areas in Lebanon after accusing the group of repeated ceasefire violations.
Israel has sharply escalated its warnings to Lebanon amid rising regional tensions linked to Iran, according to a report by the Lebanese newspaper Nida Al Watan.
Israeli air strikes in Gaza and Lebanon have raised fresh concerns about the durability of ceasefire agreements, after deadly attacks were reported in both territories.
Lebanon is prepared to demarcate its border with Syria, President Joseph Aoun said on Friday, while noting that the dispute over the Shebaa Farms could be addressed at a later stage.
The UN Human Rights Council has condemned Iran for rights abuses and ordered an expanded investigation into a crackdown on anti-government protests that killed thousands, as Tehran warned any military attack would be treated as an all-out war.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the state’s National Guard following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, an incident that has triggered protests and intensified tensions between state and federal authorities.
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on 23 January there are signs Israel is still seeking an opportunity to attack Iran, warning that such a move could further destabilise the Middle East.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Albania’s capital Tirana on Saturday in an anti-government protest sparked by the indictment of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku over alleged corruption linked to major infrastructure projects.
U.S. electricity grid operators ramped up preventive measures on Saturday to head off rotating power cuts as a severe cold snap affecting around half the country put heavy strain on their systems.
The death toll from a ferry boat accident in the Southern Philippines has reached at least 15, with 316 people rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Monday.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has sharply criticised the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, warning it benefits traders at the expense of farmers and national sovereignty.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 26 January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
At least 80 political prisoners were freed across the country over the weekend following pressure from the United States, a prominent Venezuelan rights organisation, Foro Penal, said.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the state’s National Guard following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, an incident that has triggered protests and intensified tensions between state and federal authorities.
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