Hamas leader resumes contact after rumours of death in Israeli attack

The Times of Israel on October 7 quoted several sources as confirming that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had re-established contact with the mediators for the ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Qatar after weeks of silence that raised speculation that Mr. Sinwar may have been killed in an Israeli attack in the Gaza Strip.

This photo taken on December 14, 2022 shows Yahya Sinwar appearing before supporters in Gaza City in northern Gaza.

Mr. Sinwar cut off contact because he believed Israel was not interested in reaching a deal, according to unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke to Israel’s Channel 12.

Additionally, a senior Israeli official told the Walla news site that it appeared Mr. Sinwar had not softened his stance on the ceasefire-hostage release deal.

One year after Hamas attacked Israel: Survivors still grieving

Hamas has demanded that Israel completely withdraw its troops from Gaza and end the conflict permanently, while Israel rejects any deal that would allow Hamas to retain control of Gaza and rebuild its military strength.

Sinwar’s long-term assessment that he would not survive a war in Gaza has been reinforced in recent weeks, The New York Times reported on October 5. He believes a regional war would force Israel to scale back its operations in Gaza, potentially eliminating the need to release hostages to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier, Channel 12 reported on October 4 that Israeli government ministers had largely put the hostage issue aside, as Israel had intensified attacks on Hezbollah forces in Lebanon over the past two weeks.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-linh-hamas-noi-lai-lien-lac-lai-sau-tin-don-thiet-mang-do-israel-tan-cong-185241008144009901.htm