J Street Statement on the Killing of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

October 17, 2024

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar – the chief architect of the October 7 attacks that slaughtered more than 1,200 Israelis and citizens of more than 30 countries, including 46 Americans – was responsible for years of terror aimed at the Israeli people, for the unbearable suffering of the hostages held and murdered, and for triggering the catastrophic war that led to incalculable Palestinian suffering in Gaza.

“Sinwar earned his fate by orchestrating the barbaric October 7 attacks and with a life devoted to killing and destruction. This is a significant moment for all of us who have been hoping to see a hateful terrorist meet justice,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami.

“The challenge now – for the US, Israel and regional actors – is to turn the battlefield victories of today into strategic opportunities for a better tomorrow. Let today be the day that we turn the page on this horrific war and begin to move toward the long-sought ‘day after’ when we bring the hostages home, surge aid, and end Hamas’ grip on the Palestinian people of Gaza.”

“Israel, the US, and the region must seize the moment for a new and urgent push for a ceasefire and hostage deal and to lay out a vision for the future.”