DUBAI, UAE - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday said that the death of Hamas politburo chief Yahya Sinwar is "painful" for the resistance front, but stressed that the Palestinian group "will stay alive" following the loss of its leader.

The message from Khamenei described Sinwar as a “a shining image of resistance and struggle” who struck the enemy with his “tact and courage.”

“He struck the irreparable blow of October 7 that will be remembered as a part of the history of this region. And then he ascended to the realm of the martyrs with dignity and pride,” it added.

The Israeli military on Thursday announced that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' political bureau chief, was killed in a strike in Gaza a day earlier, only two months after he assumed leadership of the Palestinian group.

Hamas on Friday confirmed the death of its leader, stating he died “defending Palestine and its sanctities against the Israeli occupation,” and stressing that his legacy will continue to inspire resilience and resistance among Palestinians.

“We mourn our brother and leader, the hero of the al-Aqsa Flood battle, whose blood will ignite the spirit of resistance,” read the statement from the Palestinian group.

One of Hamas’ top leaders for years, Sinwar was one of the main architect’s for the group’s October 7 attack - an unprecedented aerial and ground attack into southern Israel during which around 1,200 people were killed and 240 were taken hostage.

In response to Sinwar's death, several Iraqi leaders expressed their condolences and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

“The blood of our martyrs will ignite the flame of resistance among our people. Sinwar’s legacy will live on as a testament to the fight for justice,” read a statement from Muhsin al-Mandalawi, the Iraqi parliament’s acting speaker, emphasizing that Sinwar’s spirit will continue to guide the resistance forward.

Qais al-Khazali, the leader of the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, praised Sinwar’s unwavering commitment, vowing to “continue the fight for liberation.”

“The blood of our martyrs will never go in vain,” Khazali added.

Hadi al-Amiri, Secretary-General of the Badr Organization, highlighted Sinwar's dedication, asserting that “his sacrifice will not be forgotten; we will carry on his path of resistance until victory is achieved.”

Sheikh Houmam Hammoudi, president of the Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council, said in a statement that the “culture of resistance” will not die with its leaders, expressing confidence in divine support for those striving against injustice.

Ammar al-Hakim, head of Hikma movement, shared his solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating “Israeli actions will not deter our commitment to the Palestinian cause. We will remain steadfast in our support for our brothers in Palestine.”

The Israeli military on Thursday announced it had “eliminated” Sinwar in a strike in Gaza, ending a year-long manhunt for the October 7 mastermind. Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israeli military, confirmed that the army had no prior intelligence that Sinwar was inside the building that was targeted.

Sinwar assumed leadership of Hamas in August, days after former chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a strike in Tehran - which Iran blamed on Israel, but the latter never claimed responsibility for the assassination.

His death could open the door for new possibilities regarding a ceasefire, as he was reportedly in charge of Hamas’ negotiations over the release of the Israeli hostages.