Since the start of the war between Israel and Gaza ignited by a Hamas attack in October, Israeli leaders have identified Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s top official in Gaza, as a key target due to his role in the raid. Despite attempts to assassinate him, Mr. Sinwar has survived, showcasing the failures of Israel’s military campaign, which has destroyed much of Gaza but left Hamas leadership largely intact. While Israeli officials have aimed for his death, they have also engaged in negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar, where Mr. Sinwar’s approval is crucial for any concessions by Hamas negotiators.
While Hamas insists that Mr. Sinwar does not have sole decision-making authority, his leadership role in Gaza and strong personality have given him significant sway within the organization. Locked in underground tunnels beneath Gaza, Mr. Sinwar plays a pivotal role in Hamas’s strategy and its approach to negotiations with Israel. Despite his absence in public statements, Mr. Sinwar’s influence on the direction of the Hamas movement has been notable, particularly in pushing for a permanent cease-fire, according to American and Israeli officials.
Born in Gaza and imprisoned for more than two decades in Israel, Mr. Sinwar has a deep understanding of Israeli society and culture, which he appears to be leveraging for political gain. Utilizing his knowledge, Mr. Sinwar has orchestrated the release of videos of Israeli hostages strategically to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during cease-fire talks. While some Israelis advocate for negotiation to secure the hostages’ release, Mr. Netanyahu is wary of potential backlash from his right-wing allies, who oppose ending the war with Hamas still in power.
Mr. Sinwar’s objective in the war with Israel seems to be to prolong the conflict to tarnish Israel’s global image and strain its alliance with the United States. By orchestrating attacks like firing rockets from Rafah, Mr. Sinwar aims to keep the hostilities ongoing, further exacerbating Israel’s reputation internationally. Amidst efforts to negotiate a cease-fire, Mr. Sinwar’s strategy of leveraging the suffering of Palestinians to shape the conflict’s outcome remains a significant factor in the evolving dynamics of the war.
Despite claims of unity within Hamas, Mr. Sinwar’s role in decision-making has caused divisions within the leadership, with him exerting significant influence due to his position as the leader of Hamas in Gaza. While his decisions are not final, Mr. Sinwar’s sway in the ongoing negotiations and cease-fire talks remains crucial. His familial ties to Muhammad Sinwar, a senior Hamas military leader, suggest a collaborative decision-making process that has seen Mr. Sinwar remaining steadfast in resisting Israeli negotiators’ demands.
As the war between Israel and Gaza continues, Mr. Sinwar’s dual role as a key negotiator and military strategist underscores the complexities of the conflict. While Hamas seeks to end the violence and secure Palestinian interests, Mr. Sinwar’s approach to leveraging Israeli vulnerabilities and societal divisions has further complicated the path to a lasting peace agreement. With Mr. Sinwar likely to face pursuit by Israel for the foreseeable future, the dynamics of the conflict remain entwined with his strategic decisions that have driven the conflict to its current state.
