Payam Javan: Hezbollah has announced it will escalate its conflict with Israel following the death of Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, who was killed by Israeli forces. Iran, in a statement, vowed that the “resistance will endure.” Sinwar was considered by Israel to be responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack in which Hamas terrorists massacred civilians in southern Israel. During the attack, 1,200 people were killed, many more were injured, and over 250 were taken hostage. Sinwar’s death was confirmed by the Israeli military on October 17.

Israel’s footage of Sinwar’s final moments showed him injured in a bombed-out house, attempting to resist Israeli forces before being killed. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, explained that Sinwar was trying to escape when soldiers eliminated him, recovering weapons and a significant amount of cash. Meanwhile, Hezbollah released a statement announcing a new, escalatory phase in their operations against Israel, signaling further conflict, though they did not directly address Sinwar’s death.

Iran’s response, shared via social media, described Sinwar as a martyr, drawing a contrast between his death and that of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. They emphasized that as long as Israel’s occupation continues, resistance will persist. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sinwar’s death as the “beginning of the end” of the conflict, stating that while the war is not over, it could be resolved if Hamas surrenders and releases hostages. Both Israel and the U.S. have called for a secure resolution, but no final agreement has been reached.