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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The head of Hezbollah has issued a statement calling for mobilisation in support of Iran, using religious language and references to armed struggle that have raised concern among regional observers.
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.
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.
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Dubai-based global ports operator DP World said on Friday that its long-serving chairman and chief executive, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, has stepped down following mounting pressure linked to alleged ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will begin a two-day visit to Slovakia and Hungary on Sunday (15 February), aimed at strengthening ties with the two Central European nations, whose leaders have maintained close relations with President Donald Trump.
The Munich Security Conference concludes on Sunday (15 February) with discussions centred on Europe’s role in an increasingly unstable global landscape, including security coordination, economic competitiveness and the protection of democratic values.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 15th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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