Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced on Friday that it is entering a new and escalating phase in its conflict with Israel, while Iran stated that the “spirit of resistance will be strengthened” after the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Sinwar, the chief organizer of the October 7, 2023 attacks that ignited the war in Gaza, was killed during an Israeli military operation in the Palestinian enclave on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the year-long conflict.
Western leaders have expressed that his death presents an opportunity to end the conflict, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the war will continue until all hostages taken by Hamas militants are returned.
“Today, we’ve settled the score. Today, we struck a blow to evil, but our task is still not complete,” Netanyahu said in a recorded video statement after Sinwar’s death was confirmed on Thursday.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, signaled that it is moving towards a “new and escalating phase” in its ongoing battle with Israel, warning of a broader regional conflict on the horizon.