WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after Israeli forces killed Hamas military leader Yahya Sinwar, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“The elimination of Yahya Sinwar is welcome news. He has killed and terrorized Israelis, Americans, Palestinians, and countless innocent people for decades, and the world is safer without him.

“With Hamas leaderless, there is a now critical opportunity in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should seize the moment to finalize a ceasefire, secure the release of the hostages, and begin the recovery process in Gaza, including greater humanitarian relief. I hope that today proves to be a practical and symbolic breakthrough that allows us to get on a better course and leads to regional deescalation.”