PARIS, Oct 18, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Global leaders urged Hamas to free its remaining Israeli hostages following the death of its leader Yahya Sinwar, considered the mastermind of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.

Israel's military said Thursday that its forces had killed Sinwar in southern Gaza on Wednesday "after a year-long pursuit".

Hamas militants seized 251 hostages during the October 2023 attack. Israeli officials say 97 remain in Gaza, including 34 said to be dead.

- 'Good day': Biden -

US President Joe Biden on Thursday hailed Sinwar's death as marking a "good day" for the world, saying it also removed a key obstacle to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal.

"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," Biden said.

- 'Opportunity': Harris'

US Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seeking the presidency in a vote less than three weeks away, welcomed "an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza".

"And it must end such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends," she said.

- 'Cruel murderer': Germany -

Germany's foreign minister Annalena Baerbock branded Sinwar "a cruel murderer and a terrorist" while urging Hamas to "immediately release all the hostages and lay down its arms".

- 'Barbaric acts': France -

French President Emmanuel Macron demanded the release of "all hostages" held by Hamas, saying: "Yahya Sinwar was the main person responsible for the terrorist attacks and barbaric acts of October 7".