Trudeau says death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar 'ends a reign of terror'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip marks the end of what he called a “reign of terror,” while reiterating Canada’s call for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief in the region.

Israeli forces confirmed on Friday that Sinwar was killed during a Wednesday battle, with his death verified through DNA testing. Sinwar was widely seen as a key architect of the October 2023 attacks on Israel, which triggered a devastating war and regional instability that continues to affect civilians across the Middle East.

Calling Sinwar a “brutal leader of a terrorist organization,” Trudeau said the Hamas chief “sought to destroy Israel and launched senseless attacks on innocent people.” The prime minister added that while Sinwar’s death may close one violent chapter, “the urgent need for peace, reconstruction, and reconciliation remains.”

The comments come as Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Kamala Harris also said Sinwar’s death “gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza.”

Across Canada - particularly in Toronto, Mississauga, Surrey, Calgary and Montreal - the Jewish, Palestinian, and Arab communities have been deeply affected by the conflict, holding vigils, peace marches, and interfaith dialogues calling for restraint and protection of civilians.

Community leaders say the latest developments have renewed both grief and hope within diaspora families who have relatives in the region. Advocacy groups are urging Ottawa to increase humanitarian aid and work with allies to promote a lasting peace process.