The news of the death of Yahya Sinwar, the head of the Palestinian independence organization Hamas, was jointly confirmed on Thursday by the occupying Israel Defense Forces and the country's security agencies.

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Several western countries have reacted to the killing of this militant leader. They consider this a great success for Israel. In addition, the countries hope to strengthen the possibility of a ceasefire in the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had settled accounts with Sinwar, but the war was not over. He also commented that Hamas will no longer rule Gaza.

US President Joe Biden said Sinwar's death is a relief for Israel. Sinwar was the major obstacle in reaching the target. There is no longer that barrier. But we still have a lot of work ahead of us.

Vice President Kamala Harris expressed relief at Sinwar's death, saying the opportunity to end the war in Gaza had finally arrived.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Bierbock called Sinwar a murderer and a terrorist in a statement.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza after the killing of Hamas leader Sinwar.

Macron said on social media that Yahya Sinwar was the main hero of the attack on Israel on October 7.

UK Defense Secretary John Healy said, "I will not mourn the death of a terrorist leader like Sinwar, who was responsible for the October 7 terror attacks."

"I personally will not miss him if he dies," NATO chief Mark Rutte told a news conference in Brussels.