Israeli soldiers in the southern Gaza Strip unexpectedly encountered and killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, during a routine patrol. Sinwar had been elusive to Israel's military and security establishment for over a year. His death marks a severe blow to Hamas's leadership and has plunged the war in Gaza into a new and uncertain phase. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the offensive would continue until all hostages seized on October 7 are freed. American officials are using Sinwar's death to renew negotiations for a truce in Gaza and the release of the hostages.