Families of Hamas hostages demand action after Yahya Sinwar killed in airstrike: ‘Seize this opportunity’

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.

Sinwar was killed by an Israeli airstrike. AFP via Getty Images

The IDF confirmed that Sinwar had been eliminated on Thursday afternoon, 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.