Islamic Resistance movement Hamas announced Friday the martyrdom of its Political Bureau chief and commander of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Yahya Sinwar.

In a statement, Hamas paid tribute to Sinwar, describing him as one of the most honorable and courageous men who dedicated his life to the Palestinian cause and sacrificed his soul for the liberation of Palestine. "He believed in God, and God was truthful with him, choosing him as a martyr alongside his brothers who preceded him," Hamas' statement said.

Hamas mourned Sinwar as a national leader and a distinguished freedom fighter, noting that he attained martyrdom while engaging in combat, standing firm on the frontlines, and confronting Israeli forces.

"We mourn the great national leader, freedom fighter and martyr Yahya Sinwar (Abu Ibrahim), the head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), and the commander of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. He rose as a brave martyr, advancing and not retreating, with his weapon in hand, confronting the occupation army on the frontlines. He moved between combat positions, steadfast and firm on the land of Gaza, defending the soil of Palestine and its holy sites, inspiring resilience, patience, and the spirit of resistance," the statement read.

Al-Hayya mourns Sinwar

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Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya affirmed that Sinwar stood firm on Gaza's soil until his very last breath. He highlighted how Sinwar's leadership fueled the spirit of resistance and resilience, and further emphasized that Sinwar had overcome the hardships of Israeli imprisonment and continued his contributions to the cause until he achieved the highest honor of martyrdom.

Al-Hayya stated that the blood of martyrs like Sinwar would only drive further resistance, ensuring that Hamas remains steadfast on the path toward full liberation. He added that the martyrdom of Sinwar and other leaders would only increase the strength and determination of the movement and its fighters.

Addressing the issue of Israeli captives held by Hamas, al-Hayya remarked that these prisoners would only be released if the Israeli aggression ceased, the occupation withdrew from Gaza, and Palestinian prisoners were freed.

Al-Hayya concluded by honoring Sinwar's legacy, saying Sinwar would go down in history as the leader who wrote the first chapter in the war for liberation and the end of the Israeli occupation.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who became the leader of the movement's Political Bureau in August following the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh, was martyred on Wednesday during confrontations with the Israeli occupation forces.

Sinwar, contrary to the Israeli claims that he was hiding in tunnels and using captives as human shields, was in a house with several other fighters, himself donning military attire, including a vest, grenades, ammunition, and an assault rifle.

He was confronting Israeli forces in Rafah's Tal al-Sultan refugee camp, firing at them, engaging them, and tossing grenades at them to halt their advance. As he succeeded, the Israeli occupation forces backed away and fired a tank shell at the house he was sheltering himself in as part of the ongoing confrontation. 

They then sent a drone to inspect the area, and he could be seen severely wounded, covered in dust, and donning the Palestinian koufiyyeh to conceal his identity. With nothing but a stick in hand, sitting on a sofa, he attempted to throw it at the Israeli drone, which then backed away before the house he was in was bombarded once again, leading to his martyrdom. He died as a warrior, holding on until the very last breath.