The families of the American hostages held in the Gaza Strip reiterated their call for their loved ones’ releases in the wake of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s death.
“It is now time for every single hostage held in Gaza to be returned to their families. No more delays and no more demands,” said in a statement Thursday.
“Whether through negotiation or by any other means, all parties must immediately seize this opportunity to bring home the 101 remaining hostages, including seven Americans, before it is too late,” the statement added.
The IDF confirmed Thursday that Sinwar had been eliminated in Rafah on Wednesday, following hours of speculation.
“The elimination of this brutal terrorist is a step toward justice. But true victory for Israel, its allies, and for the world will only be achieved when every hostage is released and the suffering of civilians in Gaza ends,’” the hostage families said, referring to both their captive relatives and the plight of the Palestinians who have been killed, wounded and displaced by Israel’s military onslaught.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu and his cabinet previously vowed to hunt down Sinwar after learning that he was behind the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre that killed over 1,200 killed and another 251 kidnapped from southern Israel.
Sinwar evaded the IDF for over a year through Hamas’s underground tunnel system. As the war dragged on, Netanyahu faced criticism for supposedly prioritizing the hunt for the terror leader over the rescue of the remaining hostages.
As news of Sinwar’s death broke on Thursday, former FBI agent and hostage team expert Christopher O’Leary warned that Hamas could exact revenge on the hostages.
“Hamas may want to send a strategic message by taking Sinwar’s death out on the hostages. The group has often discussed a strategy of an ‘eye for an eye,” O’Leary told the Post.
The hostages could be especially at risk if Sinwar’s younger brother, Mohammed, is appointed as Hamas’ new leader, O’Leary noted.
Mohammed famously helped organize the 2006 Hamas raid that kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. He is said to be just as ruthless as his slain brother.
