Aboard Air Force One, Oct 18: President Joe Biden said Thursday that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli troops is a “good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world,” and called it an “opportunity" to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas and end the yearlong war in Gaza.

Biden, in a statement, compared it to the feeling in the US after the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, who was responsible for the Sept 11, 2001, attacks, saying the killing of the mastermind of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel “proves once again that no terrorists anywhere in the world can escape justice, no matter how long it takes”.

Biden said he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to congratulate them “and to discuss the pathway for bringing the hostages home to their families, and for ending this war once and for all.”

Biden said with Sinwar's death “there is now the opportunity for a day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power, and for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

He praised US special operations forces and intelligence operatives who helped advise Israeli allies on tracking and locating Sinwar and other Hamas leaders over the last year — though the US said the operation that killed Sinwar was an Israeli one.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan called Sinwar a “massive obstacle” to peace. He added, “his removal from the battlefield does present an opportunity to find a way forward that gets the hostages home.”

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Bhatkal: The management and students of New Shams School gathered during their morning assembly on Saturday to mourn the demise of SM Syed Khalil, a prominent NRI businessman and a guiding force for the school.

Addressing the assembly, Education Board member Moulana Ziya Ruknuddin reflected on Syed Khalil’s remarkable life journey. He highlighted how Khalil, born under challenging circumstances following his father’s death before his birth, overcame significant obstacles to achieve great success.

“Khalil’s life is an inspiration for all of us,” Maulana Ruknuddin said, urging students to draw lessons from his resilience, dedication, and humility. He also emphasized Khalil’s commitment to supporting education and his role in uplifting the people of Bhatkal.

Moulana Ziya further acknowledged Khalil’s contributions to the school, noting his instrumental role in constructing the new campus of New Shams School. He described Khalil as a mentor and guide who was always available to offer his support and vision for the betterment of the institution.

Principal Liyaquat Ali and Board Secretary Syed Qutub Barmawar also attended the ceremony, along with teachers and other staff members, as they joined the students in paying tribute to the beloved community leader.