World leaders press Hamas to free hostages after leader Sinwar's death

Families and supporters of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack protest to demand their immediate release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 17, 2024.

Many global leaders expressed the hope that Israel's killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, considered one of the masterminds of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, might provide an opportunity to end the war in Gaza and free the remaining Israeli hostages held there.

Here are how some of the world's leaders and politicians reacted to Sinwar's death in an Israeli ground operation in Gaza:

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday said the Gaza war had not ended with the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, while calling on militants to free hostages.

“The war ... is not over yet. And it is difficult, and it exacts heavy prices from us,” Netanyahu said in a video statement, adding in a message to Palestinians in Gaza: “Whoever lays down his weapon and returns our hostages – we will allow him to go on living.”

French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron called Thursday for the release of "all hostages" held by Hamas in Gaza.

President Joe Biden said on Thursday that Sinwar’s death marks a moment of relief for Israelis, while providing the opportunity for a “day after” in Gaza without the militant group in power.

(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP and Reuters)


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