Yahya Sinwar was the all-powerful ruler of Hamas and Gaza. He exhibited strong leadership, dominated decision-making, and earned the full support of Hamas’s military wing.
A narrative battle is emerging over Sinwar’s death: Some view him as a martyr, holding his weapon in his final moments and symbolizing victory over Israel, while others see the photos published by the IDF—showing drones, teeth, the missing finger, Israeli soldiers standing over his body, and its removal to Israel—as a justified response to the humiliation of October 7.
For a year, Israel’s government adhered to a strategy that military superiority against its enemies—mainly Hamas and Hezbollah—was necessary before any diplomatic plan for ending the war could be discussed. The elimination of Sinwar marks a turning point: Hamas is in shock, Israel’s military achievements are clear, and Gazans’ resentment toward Sinwar and Hamas is becoming evident due to the death, destruction, and displacement they’ve endured. This may be the ideal moment for Israel to present a diplomatic initiative, not only to advance its war aims but to explore whether Hamas, now weakened and possibly shifting its center to Qatar, will show flexibility in hostage negotiations and ceasefire terms.
Israel must present its positions from a point of military strength, demanding: the release of all 101 hostages, future security arrangements allowing Israel enforcement rights, operational freedom, and intelligence superiority to prevent Hamas’s military and civilian resurgence, and the removal of threats from Gaza toward Israel.
Yahya Sinwar was the all-powerful ruler of Hamas and Gaza. He exhibited strong leadership, dominated decision-making, and earned the full support of Hamas’s military wing.
A narrative battle is emerging over Sinwar’s death: Some view him as a martyr, holding his weapon in his final moments and symbolizing victory over Israel, while others see the photos published by the IDF—showing drones, teeth, the missing finger, Israeli soldiers standing over his body, and its removal to Israel—as a justified response to the humiliation of October 7.
For a year, Israel’s government adhered to a strategy that military superiority against its enemies—mainly Hamas and Hezbollah—was necessary before any diplomatic plan for ending the war could be discussed. The elimination of Sinwar marks a turning point: Hamas is in shock, Israel’s military achievements are clear, and Gazans’ resentment toward Sinwar and Hamas is becoming evident due to the death, destruction, and displacement they’ve endured. This may be the ideal moment for Israel to present a diplomatic initiative, not only to advance its war aims but to explore whether Hamas, now weakened and possibly shifting its center to Qatar, will show flexibility in hostage negotiations and ceasefire terms.
Israel must present its positions from a point of military strength, demanding: the release of all 101 hostages, future security arrangements allowing Israel enforcement rights, operational freedom, and intelligence superiority to prevent Hamas’s military and civilian resurgence, and the removal of threats from Gaza toward Israel.