The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas confirmed the martyrdom of its leader Yahya Sinwar on Friday. But at the same time, they firmly announced their previous position, saying that they will not release the 101 hostages in their hands unless the war in Gaza ends and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the valley. As a result, Israel’s hope that Sinwar’s death would weaken Hamas and release the hostages was dashed.
It should be noted that after Sinwar was killed, both Israel and the United States expressed hope that the release of the hostages would be accelerated this time.
Meanwhile, an Israeli official said, Sinwar’s brother and potential successor, Mohammad Sinwar, is no less strict than his predecessor. As a result, if a central leadership of Hams does not emerge quickly, a small-scale hostage release agreement may be struck with some part of the group.
Khalil al-Haya, deputy leader of Hamas’ Qatar-based politburo, said in a video message on Friday that Israel must regret Sinwar’s death. He said that his ‘martyrdom’ will make their party stronger.
He said the hostages would not return “until the aggression against our people in Gaza stops”.
Meanwhile, the armed wing of Hamas said in a separate statement that they will continue fighting until “Palestine is liberated”. They mourned the death of their leader.
In addition, the Iran-backed Hezbollah of Lebanon and the Houthis of Yemen also expressed their condolences over Sinwar’s death and announced that they would continue fighting.
On the other hand, welcoming the news of Sinwar’s death, in a video statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced continued pressure on Gaza and Lebanon. He also said the ‘terrorists’ would be spared if they surrendered their weapons and released hostages.An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Israel is now “cautiously optimistic” about the release of hostages and a ceasefire. He said Yahya’s brother and potential successor, Mohammad Sinwar, was “no less extremist than his brother.” And Hamas will still remain a ‘murderous terrorist organization’.
Yahya Sinwar was killed in an Israeli attack on Wednesday.
