Sinwar 'Surrounded by 22 Handcuffed Hostages'
Jewish media reported that out of the 108 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, only about 20 are alive and under Hamas’s control. These captives are reportedly being used to surround Sinwar, providing protection for the Hamas leader who remains in hiding underground.
Intelligence sources told the Jewish news outlet that Israel has had several opportunities to eliminate Sinwar after locating his hiding tunnels. However, these attacks were not authorized due to the danger posed to the hostages.
The remaining captives, both living and dead, are believed to be in the hands of smaller terror groups, including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Mujahideen Brigades, the al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades, and the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades. These groups have reportedly cut off contact with Sinwar and are rebelling against his instructions.
These internal Palestinian frictions have reportedly been a significant obstacle in reaching a hostage deal. The situation is further complicated by Sinwar’s reliance on the captives for his own safety.
The Hamas leader, in hiding since October 7, has reportedly surrounded himself with 22 living, handcuffed hostages, using them as protection against potential elimination by Israel.
Sinwar’s main demands include ending the war, the withdrawal of the IDF from the entire Gaza Strip, and American guarantees that Israel will not continue the war after a hostage deal is completed. He is also seeking assurances that he will not be eliminated once the hostages in his possession are released. (IHY/VFI News)
“What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.” - Proverbs 10:24