“Sinwar is said to no longer trust electronic communications, fearing that the Israeli army will discover his location and kill him,” the report said.
Hamas wants a deal to end the war while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says it can only end when Hamas is eradicated.
Some of Netanyahu's critics feel that he is prioritizing the stability of his coalition government above the release of the hostages.
According to the CNN report, the Egyptian and Qatari mediators informed Israeli officials of Sinwar’s stance in the last several days.
The National Security Minister responded to the video shortly after its release, saying that the video did come from the terrorist organization and that he is "not afraid of them.
Sinwar "has gotten stronger [...] contrary to all estimations," said Rami Igra, former head of the hostages and missing person directorate in the Mossad.
"The buildup of criticism, frustration, and anger could lead the Palestinian public to rise up strongly against Hamas and hold them accountable," one official noted.
"At this stage, what concerns the residents most is when the war will end," military sources said.
According to security sources, Sinwar's movement area, like other senior Hamas officials in the organization, is getting smaller and smaller.
For countries that have already declared Hamas as a terrorist org., Katz said this should be enforced by "personally designating Sinwar."
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