Yahya Sinwar is the leader of Hamas in Gaza, a position he has held since 2017.
Since the assassination of Ismail Haniyah in Tehran, Sinwar has become the overall leader of Hamas. His current whereabouts are unknown, but are believed to be in the tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip.
An Israeli official noted, "The Egyptian and Qatari mediators believe Hamas might now agree to a hostage-release and ceasefire deal."
The ruling could prevent Israeli officials from traveling and comes as the government ignores legal advice to open a state inquiry.
Missile alerts interrupt a sketch about escaping war, as Israel's top comedy show returns with Trump in McDonald's fries and Iranian spies debating perfume choices at duty-free.
The elimination of Sinwar should indeed be seen as an important victory, but not yet a full achievement of Israel’s security and peace strategy.
Egypt has been in talks with Hamas in Cairo for the last two days as part of its efforts to unite Palestinian factions, but there has been no reported progress on a hostage deal.
"Someone may be aware of the location of one or two, but I don't think there is anyone who is aware of the location of all of them."
Sinwar stayed in Rafah for some time during the war, according to the sources, both above and underground.
Israel's hostage discussions could reveal if the other side’s positions have shifted, what the current dynamics are within Hamas leadership, and which pressure points Israel can leverage.
“All Eyes on Rafah” may become the defining slogan of this multi-front war, but it has taken on new meaning. By eliminating Sinwar, Netanyahu has achieved a key war objective.
"A terrorist on the first floor, wrapped in a blanket," a soldier further described the terrorist, noting, "he is still alive among us."
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