Netanyahu says Israel will continue in Gaza until hostages return

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar offered the chance of peace in the Middle East but warned that the war in Gaza was not over and Israel would continue until its hostages were returned.

“Today we have settled the score. Today evil has been dealt a blow but our task has still not been completed,” Netanyahu said in a recorded video statement. “To the dear hostage families, I say: this is an important moment in the war. We will continue full force until all your loved ones, our loved ones, are home.”

Israel’s army chief Herzi Halevi hailed troops’ killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, vowing to keep fighting until hostages are released and “all” militants involved in the October 7 attack are captured.

“We are settling the score with Sinwar, who is responsible for that very difficult day a year ago,” Lieutenant General Halevi said in a statement after visiting the site in Gaza where the Hamas chief was killed, adding: “We will not stop until we capture all the terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre and bring all the hostages home.”