Live updates: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza, Israel confirms

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, one of the masterminds of the October 7 massacre in Israel, was killed in an operation in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Israeli military said on Thursday.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Sinwar was “eliminated” after Israeli officials conducted DNA tests and used dental records to confirm his identity.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on Sinwar’s killing, saying: “This is the beginning of the day after Hamas.”

“Evil has suffered a serious blow, but the task before us is not yet complete,” Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. Netanyahu called Sinwar’s killing an “important moment in the war” and told Gazans that it was an “opportunity” for them to “finally free themselves from (Hamas’s) tyranny.”

Here’s more on what we know about Sinwar’s death:

• Body discovered by drone, identified by Israeli soldiers: The bodies of Sinwar and others killed with him were spotted by a drone in rubble in Gaza on Thursday after a tank attack on a building on Wednesday, a person familiar told CNN. It was only when Israeli soldiers went in on foot and took a closer look that they began to suspect it was Sinwar, the source said. Sinwar was killed in the area of ​​the southern Gaza town of Rafah, the person said.

• Netanyahu warns Hamas and calls for the hostages to be released: The Israeli prime minister warned Hamas against eliminating its leaders and called on those holding Israeli hostages to lay down their weapons and return the hostages. Anyone who does this can “go out and live”.

• US sees Sinwar’s death as potential for resuming ceasefire talks: US President Joe Biden praised Sinwar’s killing and added that he hoped now would be an opportunity to consider the next steps for Gaza. Despite all the uncertainties, this moment was seen as significant in the White House and throughout the Biden administration. The U.S. will “redouble our efforts with partners to end this conflict” after Sinwar’s death, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

• Hostage families plead for their relatives: The families of American hostages still held in Gaza called for their release after Sinwar’s death. “It is now time for every single hostage held in Gaza to be returned to their families,” they said in a joint statement released on Thursday. The parents of Israeli-American hostage Omer Neutra also said the news of Sinwar’s death was “a critical, timely development regarding the hostages.” Now more than ever, their lives are in grave danger.”

• What Gazans say: Palestinians in Gaza told CNN they do not believe Sinwar’s killing will end the war. But others remain hopeful. “Sinwar died, but so many of our people were killed and there is now no excuse for Netanyahu to continue the war,” said 22-year-old Mumen Khalili.