Hamas’s death in Gaza by Israeli forces on Wednesday has caused concern for the families of the remaining 101 hostages. Hamas’ Gaza-based health ministry says that Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 42,500 Palestinians. The BBC Verify team analyses the footage of Sinwar being killed. “He’s an evil man and his time is now.” This is a gift for everyone. Both the Jews and the Palestinians who were with us. “ReutersAt a Tel Aviv beach, bathers cheered as a lifeguard announced the rumours over a loudspeaker. But others were more circumspect and wondered how Sinwar’s death would affect the prospects for the release Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. “I feel a little numb,” Anat Kandle, a Tel Aviv resident, told Reuters. “I am deeply concerned for the hostages and it is very difficult to find hope and faith. “I always wonder, what if it was me, or [it] had been my son with me? “ReutersFamily Members of the remaining 101 Hostages Still in Gaza gathered at Tel Aviv following the news.They have been demonstrating since months, urging Israel to reach a truce with Hamas in order to bring their relatives home.Einav Zungauker, whose child Matan was taken as hostage, urged Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: “Don’t bury the hostsages. “Go now to the mediators, and to the public, and lay out a brand new Israeli initiative,” Einav Zangauker told Reuters. If Netanyahu does not use this moment to present a new Israeli plan – even if it means prolonging the war, he will have abandoned the hostages to prolong the conflict and consolidate his rule. “Getty ImagesIn Gaza some Palestinians said that they believed Sinwar’s death could open up a path to ending the war. They said it left Israel “no reason” to continue its genocide. Ali Chameli, a Reuters reporter, said that “they always said they wanted Sinwar eliminated to stop this conflict”. Jemaa Abo Mendi told AFP that the reality was “quite opposite” since Sinwar’s death. “AFPSpeaking to the AFP news agency in Khan Younis which has been largely destroyed by a year’s worth of bombardment and fighting Dr Ramadan said that the outcome of the conflict did not depend on the fate of any one person. “It is a war of annihilation against the Palestinians, as we all understand,” he said. Lina Anuni was also in Khan Younis, having fled Gaza City a year earlier with her three kids. “Yet, despite my sadness, I was saddened by his passing,” she said. One man, who did not wish to be named, told BBC World Service’s Gaza Today program that, despite “differing opinion” about the former Hamas chief, his death will not affect the people of Gaza. “I don’t think this will change the dynamic of the conflict,” said he, citing the deaths of Hassan Nasrallah and other senior Hezbollah figures last month. “Nothing fundamentally” changed. He said that tensions increased, which raised concerns for Palestinians. Yousef Jamal said, “He (Sinwar) did not hide with the displaced or seek refuge with enemy prisoner.” Yahya Sinwar was reported to have spent most of his time in tunnels with a small group of bodyguards, and a “human-shield” of hostages taken from Israel. But reports indicate he died in an encounter with Israeli patrols in southern Gaza. He was not found with any hostages. More on the Israel-Gaza warStories about the hostages taken from Israel by Hamas. Middle EastIsrael-Gaza warIsraelGazaHamas
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