Politics Biden on Sinwar's killing: Good day for Israel and the world

US President Joe Biden has welcomed the killing of Hamas leader Jihia al-Sinwar in the Gaza Strip by Israeli soldiers.

"DNA tests have now confirmed that Sinwar is dead. This is a good day for Israel, for the United States and for the world," Biden said in a statement released by the White House. As the leader of the terrorist group, Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, Palestinians, Americans and people from all over the world. He was the mastermind of the massacres, rapes and kidnappings in Israel on October 7, 2023.

US intelligence agencies have assisted the Israeli military in tracking down Sinwar and other Hamas leaders, the statement added. Hamas is now no longer in a position to carry out another massacre like the one on October 7.

There is now a chance of a "day after" in the Gaza Strip without Hamas in power, Biden continued. There is also a chance of a political solution that offers a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Sinwar was an obstacle to this, which no longer exists. "But there is still a lot of work ahead of us," he warned.

Biden spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "congratulate" him on the military operation against Sinwar, as the White House announced following the conversation. The two also discussed "how this moment can be used to bring the hostages home and end the war so that Israel's security is assured and Hamas can never again control Gaza".

After his arrival in Berlin for a short working visit, Biden also announced that he would send US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel for talks. He said it was now time for some movement towards a solution to the conflict.

Biden's security adviser Jake Sullivan said that Sinwar's killing offered the opportunity to achieve the return of the hostages and an end to the war.