As the yearlong Gaza war rages on, U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a possible turning point, urging Israel to seize the moment for peace. Biden, speaking in Germany, described Sinwar’s elimination as an “opportunity” to end the brutal conflict, which has devastated Gaza and killed thousands. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has other plans.
“The war is not over,” Netanyahu declared in a defiant televised address after confirming Sinwar’s death at the hands of Israeli forces in Rafah. Netanyahu’s ultra-right government shows no signs of backing down, with some coalition members even advocating for the full reoccupation of Gaza. While the U.S. hopes for a ceasefire, Netanyahu’s political calculus could push Israel deeper into the fight, especially with Hamas vowing that Sinwar’s “banner will not fall.”
Sinwar’s death has left both sides at a crossroads. For Israel, it’s a chance to declare victory and explore new realities in Gaza, but Netanyahu may see this as the moment to double down, believing his hardline approach is paying off. On the Hamas side, the militant group’s leadership is in flux, and their next moves are uncertain, though their rhetoric remains fiery.
As the Biden administration continues its diplomatic push, attempting to negotiate ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, the disconnect between Washington’s hopes and Netanyahu’s actions grows clearer. Israel’s military efforts have already expanded into Lebanon, with bombings continuing despite U.S. calls for restraint. The conflict’s future remains as unpredictable as ever, with Netanyahu’s decision likely shaping whether the war de-escalates or plunges even deeper into chaos.”
