Mixed Reactions to Sinwar’s Death: Relief, Fear, and Uncertainty Grip Israelis

Since the IDF killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israelis feel a sense of justice. However, experts warn of ongoing ideological conflict and the potential for renewed violence, causing concern for hostage families involved in negotiations

Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war more than 380 days ago, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have eliminated over 2,000 Hamas terrorists. Among the most significant developments in recent days was the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7, 2023, attacks that left over 1,200 people dead and more than 100 hostages still in captivity.

IDF forces killed Sinwar on October 16, 2024, during a military operation in Rafah, Gaza. His death was confirmed through DNA testing after an intense exchange of fire with Israeli troops.

For many Israelis, Sinwar’s death is seen as a long-awaited victory, bringing a sense of relief and justice. However, this joy is tempered by concerns that Hamas may retaliate with renewed aggression.

Now that Sinwar is dead, I am hopeful as I finally feel that the war is coming to an end, but I am still worried about more attacks.

“Now that Sinwar is dead, I am hopeful as I finally feel that the war is coming to an end, but I am still worried about more attacks,” Polina Altzitser, an HR manager from Ramat Gan, told The Media Line.

I am very happy about the elimination of Sinwar – a man responsible for hundreds of attacks and the murder of thousands of Jews over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, it does not mean a better future for Israel, as we are fighting against people brainwashed to destroy us—with or without Sinwar.

“I am very happy about the elimination of Sinwar – a man responsible for hundreds of attacks and the murder of thousands of Jews over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, it does not mean a better future for Israel, as we are fighting against people brainwashed to destroy us—with or without Sinwar,” Nir Yakov, a lawyer from Tel Aviv, told The Media Line.

“We are fighting against their ideology and beliefs, not against any particular individual leading them,” he added.

For Sofia Kruglikova, a journalist from Tel Aviv, the death of the Hamas leader has caused mixed feelings.

On the one hand, it is undoubtedly an act of retribution for all the grief he caused Jews and Palestinians. Additionally, I believe this should weaken Hamas, at least for a while. On the other hand, it’s hard to rejoice over the death of someone who, like all terrorists, was already prepared to die at any moment. The people who died because of him cannot be brought back. The hostages are still in Gaza, and it’s very worrying how this news will affect them.

“On the one hand, it is undoubtedly an act of retribution for all the grief he caused Jews and Palestinians. Additionally, I believe this should weaken Hamas, at least for a while. On the other hand, it’s hard to rejoice over the death of someone who, like all terrorists, was already prepared to die at any moment. The people who died because of him cannot be brought back. The hostages are still in Gaza, and it’s very worrying how this news will affect them,” she told The Media Line.

“I also became very scared of possible terrorist attacks, as we’ve already seen an increase in them after Sinwar’s death. I don’t feel personally safe. Any victory by the Israeli army can provoke a reaction that you can’t hide from, even in a shelter,” she added.

Meanwhile, for the families of the remaining hostages, the focus is still on their safe return. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed gratitude to the government for its efforts but emphasized that the priority must be on bringing the hostages home.

“Sinwar, who was described as a major obstacle to a deal, is no longer alive. It is critical that all attention is now focused on achieving the goal of a deal which will secure the release of our son Omer and the rest of the hostages,” said Orna and Ronen Neutra, the parents of Israeli-American hostage Omer Neutra, in a public statement.

Meanwhile, Efrat Machikawa, the niece of hostage Gadi Moses, shared with The Media Line that Sinwar’s death did not bring her any sense of joy. Instead, it deepened her sorrow as the uncertainty surrounding her uncle’s fate remains.

“I was not at all thinking of anything that can be considered positive or even with some sort of a victorious feeling. I was terrified because I really do believe that as time passes, our hope diminishes,” said Machikawa.

“When I learned about Sinwar’s death, I was so scared that it would harm the chances of seeing our loved ones. I felt that the unknown is so scary. We have been in darkness for a year now, but suddenly something so dramatic—it was terrifying for me,” she added.

“I was very disappointed to hear that there were people who were so joyful out there in the streets. I wasn’t feeling comfortable because I was brought up on the foundation of cherishing life and celebrating life. I have never ever heard anyone around me celebrating the death of anyone,” she said.

“Although I do know that this is the destiny that he himself wrote, and it brings to an end a horrific man who practiced spreading death, which is a relief,” she said further.

She clarified that the deaths of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Sinwar are not the issue but that “the issue is bringing back the hostages, and I find it complicated. I am very, very worried about what’s happening now.”

When asked about the possibility of a deal being easier after Sinwar’s death, she responded: “The only way to solve it will be through diplomatic conversations. I just don’t believe in anything else. By talking about it, we are distancing the conversation from what it should be, and it should be a diplomatic agreement. We must only focus on reaching a deal. It is an international community responsibility to make sure it will happen,” she concluded.

Dr. Harel Chorev, an expert on Palestinian affairs at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Studies, believes Sinwar’s death is a critical blow to Hamas.

“These targeted killings serve the Israeli purpose of undermining and destabilizing Hamas, particularly since Sinwar had, over the past year, become almost the sole leader,” he told The Media Line.

Chorev emphasized how Sinwar concentrated more and more power within Hamas, especially after the deaths of his closest associates.

“He concentrated a lot of power in decision-making. His chief of staff and all of his close associates are dead, except for two brigade commanders. Sinwar was extremely stubborn in his refusal of any hostage deal or any possibility that might lead to an end to this war,” he added.

Dr. Dan Schueftan, the director of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa and a senior lecturer at the Israel National Defense College, told The Media Line that Sinwar’s death will not have a major effect on the dynamics of the war.

What we’re doing in the Gaza Strip is systematic. It is the destruction of whatever is left of Hamas military forces, particularly where they’re trying to re-establish themselves, mostly in the north of Gaza.

“What we’re doing in the Gaza Strip is systematic. It is the destruction of whatever is left of Hamas military forces, particularly where they’re trying to re-establish themselves, mostly in the north of Gaza,” Schueftan said.

He acknowledged that Sinwar’s elimination was a morale boost but emphasized the broader conflict. “It’s very encouraging, it’s very morale-boosting, but our systematic destruction of Hezbollah, and attempts to damage their re-establishment, will go on regardless of this success.”

The removal of Sinwar, according to Chorev, opens up new possibilities for Israel. “I fully agree with the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, who pointed out that we didn’t have someone on the other side of the table. Sinwar wasn’t there because he knew he was a dead man walking. His death now reopens that opportunity.”

Chorev also addressed the split in reactions among Palestinians.

“There are people in Gaza who are extremely happy about his killing because they are suffering and blame him for the catastrophe. But then, there are others who view him as a martyr and believe this is the way forward,” he noted. “It’s an emotional reaction for now, but give it a few days for them to calm down and reconsider their strategy.”

Reflecting on Israel’s position regarding negotiations, Chorev cautioned against any expectations of a large-scale prisoner release. “We will not release all the Palestinian prisoners, especially those with life sentences. Doing so would revive Hamas overnight. We are willing to pay a reasonable price, but not at the cost of erasing all the achievements we’ve made in this war.”

Schueftan stressed the shift in focus for Israel. “Hamas and Gaza are now secondary in Israel,” he said. “The most important effort of Israel now is in Lebanon, and in Gaza, we’ve basically done most of what we wanted.” He added, “Now the important thing is to see that we don’t lose what we’ve achieved in Gaza.”

When asked about the potential psychological pressure on Hezbollah following Sinwar’s death, Schueftan downplayed its significance. “Nasrallah was 100 times more important than Sinwar,” he said. “Sinwar was basically the head of a terrorist organization, but Nasrallah was a personality in his own right. Next to [Iran’s leader] Khamenei, and especially after the US killed [Iranian miitary leader Qasem] Soleimani, Nasrallah became one of the most important personalities in the Shiite camp,” he explained.

I don’t know if Sinwar’s death will help bring the hostages back,” he said. “All the speculations are really not very interesting, because I can make a case in both directions.

Regarding the hostages, Schueftan expressed skepticism. “I don’t know if Sinwar’s death will help bring the hostages back,” he said. “All the speculations are really not very interesting, because I can make a case in both directions.” He elaborated that “maybe without Sinwar, some fringe groups or families holding the hostages may negotiate. But without leadership, who do you negotiate with?”

Schueftan dismissed concerns about potential retaliation. “How much more enraged than 100 percent can they [Hamas] be?” he asked. “This whole idea that they’ll now hate us more is ridiculous. Hamas wants to kill us 100 percent, so now what? 101 percent?” He stressed, “The problem is not just Hamas as an organization. It’s the depraved medieval way of life that Hamas represents.”

Schueftan concluded with a grim prediction: “Of course, it helps when we kill 20,000 terrorists, and I hope we kill 10,000 more. But will it make Gaza a civilized, friendly place in the foreseeable future? No.”

Associated video filmed and produced by Dario Sanchez