Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar refused an opportunity to leave Gaza and facilitate a ceasefire in exchange for his survival, leading to the continuation of the war, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Sunday.
Citing U.S., Arab, and Hamas officials, the report claims that Sinwar rejected an offer from Arab negotiators that would have allowed Egypt to lead ceasefire and hostage negotiations on behalf of Hamas.
Despite the escalating civilian death toll in Gaza, Sinwar remained defiant. He reportedly told mediators early in the conflict, “I’m not under siege, I’m on Palestinian soil.”
The conflict followed Hamas’s October 7 attacks on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 hostages.
The assaults, which involved acts of terror including murder, looting, and sexual violence, were a calculated provocation, with Sinwar anticipating that the ensuing conflict would draw Iran and its regional allies into a broader war against Israel.
Sinwar’s strategy reportedly hinged on the expectation that rising global pressure would force Israel into making concessions due to the high civilian casualties in Gaza.
He had instructed Hamas officials outside of Gaza to maintain a firm stance and refuse to offer any concessions, despite growing international calls for a ceasefire.
The report also delves into Sinwar’s plans for the aftermath of his death. With the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) closing in and much of Hamas’s infrastructure weakened after a year of conflict, Sinwar left behind instructions for the organization’s future leadership.
He allegedly suggested forming a council of leaders to manage the group’s transition, with the belief that his death would position Hamas more advantageously in future negotiations with Israel.
Missed Opportunities to Eliminate Sinwar
The report further highlights Israel’s failure to eliminate Sinwar before the outbreak of hostilities. Israeli leaders had several chances to target the Hamas chief, but disagreements over operations and poor timing prevented them from seizing these opportunities.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly authorized two strikes against Sinwar and fellow Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, but both attempts were unsuccessful.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also pushed for Sinwar’s elimination, particularly during his term in 2022, but his efforts were thwarted by officials who viewed the Hamas leader as primarily focused on governing Gaza rather than posing a direct threat to Israel.
The decision not to act had severe consequences, as the October 7 attack marked a dramatic escalation in the longstanding conflict.
Since then, the war has persisted, with reports of ongoing hostilities and continued suffering in Gaza. Although a November ceasefire led to the release of some hostages, more than 100 remain captive, and some have been killed by their captors.
The rejection of the exit deal by Sinwar appears to have shaped the course of the conflict, further complicating efforts to bring about peace.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members