"His loss is undoubtedly painful for Axis of Resistance," says Khamenei over Sinwar's killing

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a statement affirming that the assassination of Hamas politburo chief Yahya Sinwar will not impede the "Axis of Resistance." 

"His loss is undoubtedly painful for the Axis of Resistance, but this front did not cease advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures. Hamas is alive and will remain alive," Khamenei declared.

The top Shia cleric praised Sinwar as "a shining face of resistance and struggle" who stood against Israel with "steely resolve".

"With wisdom and courage, he dealt them the irreparable blow of October 7 that has been recorded in the history of this region. Then, with honor and pride, he ascended to the heavens of the martyrs," Khamenei added.

"As always, we will remain by the side of the sincere fighters and combatants, by God's grace and help," Khamenei reassured.

The "Axis of Resistance," backed by Iran, comprises Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various groups in Iraq and Syria.

A day earlier, Hamas confirmed that its leader was "martyred" in an Israeli attack.

"Sinwar martyred in combat with Israeli forces in Gaza," Hamas deputy head Khalil al-Hayya said in a statement

“Israeli captives held in Gaza will not return until war on Gaza stops and Israeli forces withdraw from the besieged and bombarded territory, he added.

The 62-year-old Palestinian fighter was killed by Israel during a military operation in Rafah on Wednesday.

The Israeli army initially announced it was investigating the possibility of Sinwar's death in Gaza.

Later on Thursday, Israeli media confirmed that it had killed the Hamas leader.

Following his death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the killing of Sinwar was the "beginning of the end" of the bombardment in Gaza.

“Yahya Sinwar is dead. He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces,” the war crimes convicted leader said in a video statement released on Friday.

“While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it’s the beginning of the end," he added.