Biden and Harris say Sinwar's death, which has yet to be confirmed by Hamas, brings the Gaza war closer to an end.

US President Joe Biden has congratulated Israel on its announcement of the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, calling it a “relief” for Israel and a step towards ending the Gaza war.

Biden also said Thursday that Sinwar's alleged killing, which Hamas has not confirmed, was an opportunity for a “political solution” to the conflict.

“This is a good day for Israel, for the United States and for the world,” Biden said in a statement after Israeli officials announced they had killed Sinwar and confirmed her identity.

“Today … proves once again that no terrorist anywhere in the world can escape justice, no matter how long it takes,” he said.

Biden added that the US helped Israeli forces “locate and pursue” Sinwar and other Hamas leaders.

Sinwar became head of the group's political office after his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran in July in an attack widely attributed to Israel.

“Sinwar was a critical figure for Hamas operationally, militarily and politically,” said U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, calling his claimed killing an “opportunity.”

“Indeed, in recent weeks and months, under his unique leadership, he had consolidated control over both the political and military wings, and therefore this is a very significant event.”

Sinwar, who spent two decades in Israeli prisons, has been a top target for Israel since the Oct. 7 attack, which he said he orchestrated.

USA says “Chance for a day after”

U.S. officials said Sinwar's death removed an obstacle to ending the Gaza war, in which Israeli forces have killed over 42,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians.

“The possibility now exists for a day after in Gaza without Hamas in power and for a political solution that offers a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Biden said.

Sullivan, who was aboard Air Force One with Biden, added: “Sinwar was more interested in causing mayhem, mayhem and death than actually trying to reach a ceasefire and a hostage-taking agreement.”

Hamas has repeatedly said it supports a ceasefire agreement that would see an end to the war and the release of Israeli and Palestinian prisoners in Gaza. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the fight until “total victory.”

Biden spoke with Netanyahu later Thursday.

“The US president praised the (Israeli military) for its outstanding effort,” the Israeli prime minister’s office said in a statement. “Both leaders agreed that there was an opportunity to move forward with the release of the hostages and that they would work together to achieve this goal.”

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, addressing the press during a campaign stop in Wisconsin, also said Sinwar's death meant “it's time to start the day after.”

However, the US government's optimism about ending the war stood in stark contrast to Netanyahu's assertion that Israel's “mission” in Gaza was not yet complete.

“There is a constant illusion on the United States side that this incredible violence, this terrible death and this terrible destruction will suddenly pave the way to paradise in the Middle East,” said Al Jazeera senior political correspondent Marwan Bishara.

He predicted that “with the killing of Sinwar, the war will continue to expand and deepen and become even more violent.”