French President Emmanuel Macron has described the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during an Israeli raid on Thursday as a "turning point" and an opportunity to "finally end" the Gaza war.
Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) said Sinwar – a key figure behind last year’s 7 October attack on Israel – was killed during a battle in Gaza.
Macron praised the "military success" and reiterated French demands for the release of all hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
Sinwar, described as the mastermind of the assault that ignited the war, was reportedly killed when IDF troops stumbled upon him during a fight, later realising that a body found in the rubble was that of Israel’s most-wanted man.
Israeli officials hailed his death as a major victory. “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the start of the day after Hamas,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Sinwar's killing comes after Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in the Iranian capital, Tehran, in July. Sinwar was subsequently named as Hamas's overall leader.
In response to his death, Iran's Mission to the UN said the "spirit of [Palestinian] resistance will be strengthened" and that Sinwar would "become a model for the youth and children who will carry forward his path toward the liberation of Palestine".
Tensions
Macron, speaking during a press conference after the EU Council summit in Brussel, added that he hoped that a "credible political perspective for both Israelis and Palestinians" would now be opened.
Macron's remarks follow a series of statements that had provoked the anger of Israeli Prime Miniser Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to French daily Le Figaro, Macron had told the Israeli Prime Minister that he "should not forget" that his country was created by a decision of the UN which, according to the newspaper, suggested that he "questioned the very foundation of the state of Israel, established after the Holocaust".
Further controversy arose 10 days ago when Macron called for a halt to arms deliveries to Israel. However, on Thursday evening, he clarified that France had "never failed" Israel, insisting that there was "no ambiguity".
