Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed Gazans and Hamas operatives, calling on them to release the hostages and to surrender following Yahya Sinwar's execution.
Here's what he said:
“The State of Israel has brought justice with the elimination of Yahya Sinwar – a vile murderer and terrorist. Yahya Sinwar is the terrorist, the master terrorist, who planned and carried out the October 7th [massacre], during which so many innocent Israelis were murdered – children, women and the elderly.
Sinwar died while [he was] on the run. He didn’t die as a commander, but as someone who only cared for himself. This is a clear message to all of our enemies – the IDF will reach anyone who attempts to harm the citizens of Israel or our security forces, and we will bring you to justice.
The elimination of Yahya Sinwar sends a clear message to all the families of the fallen and the families of the hostages: we are doing everything [that we can so that we can] reach those who harmed your loved ones and to free the hostages and return them to their families.
It is also a clear message to the residents of Gaza. The man who brought disaster and death to the Gaza Strip, the man who made you suffer as a result of his murderous actions – the end of this man has come. It is time to go out, release the hostages, [to those involved in fighting] raise your hands, surrender. Go out with the hostages, free them, and surrender.
It is my privilege to salute the soldiers of the IDF, the Chief of the General Staff and Director of the Shin Bet for their dedicated work.”
The Times of Israel contributed to this article.