Hoyer Statement on the Elimination of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after Israeli sources confirmed the elimination of Hamas's leader, Yahya Sinwar, by IDF soldiers: 

"Hamas' genocidal leader, Yahya Sinwar, was the architect of the terrorist organization's brutal October 7 attack on the State of Israel. Today, he met justice for the crimes he committed that terrible day, for the continued captivity of the 101 hostages still held in Gaza, and for the terror campaign he waged against Israel for decades. Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire world are safer now that Sinwar is gone.

"Sinwar also brought suffering and devastation down upon Palestinian civilians in Gaza both before and after October 7. He and his terrorist organization cowardly used non-combatants as human shields, and Sinwar even described the loss of civilian life in Gaza as 'necessary sacrifices.' The time has come for Hamas to surrender, release the remaining hostages, and grant Palestinians the opportunity to choose a better future free from terrorists like Sinwar. All those involved in the negotiations ought to pressure Hamas to that end.

"No matter where they attack, terrorists must be found and forced to suffer the consequences for their actions. The United States will continue to support Israel in its mission to dismantle and permanently eliminate the terrorist organizations that threaten the Israeli people. That includes Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other proxies Iran uses to advance its goal of destroying the State of Israel."