Israel Has Held Indirect Negotiations with Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Leader

Reports published by The New York Times revealed indirect negotiations between Israel and Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas.

According to The New York Times, following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel and the start of the war in Gaza, Israeli leaders described Yahya Sinwar, the highest-ranking Hamas official in the region, as “a dead man walking.” Israel, while pointing out that he was the architect of the attack, identified Sinwar’s assassination as the primary objective of its counteroffensive.

Given that more than seven months have passed since the start of the Hamas-Israel war and Israeli officials have been pursuing Sinwar’s assassination, they have been forced to negotiate with Sinwar indirectly in order to secure the release of remaining hostages. According to statements by Hamas, Israeli, and American officials, Sinwar has emerged not only as a commander but as a shrewd negotiator who has prevented Israeli victory.

Some officials stated: “While negotiations continue with mediation from Egypt and Qatar, Yahya Sinwar, who is reportedly hiding in a tunnel network beneath Gaza, is considered the chief negotiator, and Hamas negotiators deem it necessary to obtain his approval before agreeing to any concessions.”

Musa Abu Marzouk commented on this matter, saying: “Sinwar, as Hamas leader in Gaza, has greater influence and power, but that doesn’t mean he has the final say.” Hamas officials also stated that although Sinwar technically does not have influence over the entire Hamas movement, his leadership role in Gaza and his strong personality have given him extraordinary importance in how Hamas operates.

Salah al-Arouri, a Hamas member and political analyst who is also a friend of Sinwar, commented on this: “No decision can be made without consulting Sinwar. Sinwar is not an ordinary leader; he is a powerful figure and the architect of many events. He is not a manager but a leader.”

American and Israeli officials believe that although Sinwar is junior to Ismail Haniyeh, the highest-ranking civilian official of the movement, he has played a crucial role in Hamas’s behind-the-scenes decision for a permanent ceasefire.