Secret documents reportedly reveal the last orders of Yahya Sinwar, the assassinated Hamas leader, regarding the treatment of Israeli hostages.
According to Telegraph, The handwritten notes, published by Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds, are claimed to be Sinwar’s “final wills and instructions” before he was killed in an Israeli strike last week. Among the directives, one notable instruction emphasizes the importance of safeguarding enemy prisoners, stating, “take care of the lives of enemy prisoners and secure them, since they are the bargaining chip in our hands.”
Another note instructs his fighters that the only way to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners is to protect “the enemy’s prisoners,” promising rewards for those who fulfill their “duty.” The documents detail information about 71 hostages, including their names, ages, and genders, with a particular focus on older female captives. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to ongoing hostage negotiations and underscores the high stakes involved for both Hamas and Israel.
Israel has yet to comment on the contents of these documents. However, concerns are mounting regarding potential repercussions following Sinwar’s death. Gershon Baskin, Israel’s leading hostage negotiator, warned that this moment could either present an opportunity or spell doom for hostages. He noted rumors suggesting that Sinwar may have ordered that hostages be killed if he were to die. Baskin highlighted that this should be taken seriously given Hamas’s past actions, referencing a previous incident where six hostages were executed as Israeli forces closed in on their location.
The current situation is precarious, with at least 101 Israeli hostages still believed to be held by Hamas at the time of Sinwar’s death. Reports indicate that around 60 of these individuals are thought to be alive. In light of this turmoil, Baskin suggested that Israel should issue a clear message encouraging hostage takers to release captives in exchange for safe passage out of Gaza.
As tensions escalate following Sinwar’s assassination, analysts are closely monitoring how Hamas will respond under new leadership.
His brother Muhammad is expected to take command, complicating the dynamics further as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and beyond. The international community remains vigilant as these developments unfold, recognizing the potential for significant shifts in both hostage negotiations and regional stability amidst ongoing violence.
