More than a year after Hamas’ devastating October 7 attacks on Israel, the country’s military said Thursday it had killed the man it considers to have been the chief architect of that cross-border incursion – raising questions about the future of the war and of the militant group itself,

In confirming Sinwar’s death — a full day after it was announced by Israel — Hamas said Friday it mourned the loss of a “great leader.” But it voiced defiance, vowing not to return the hostages seized on Oct. 7 of last year to Israel until there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Sinwar was killed by the IDF during a military operation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday.