An Israeli official has firmly ruled out including the body of martyred Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in any prisoner exchange deal. “It will not happen. Period,” the official stated according to the Times of Israel, following reports of Hamas demands during ceasefire negotiations.
Saudi outlet Al-Hadath earlier reported unconfirmed claims that the Palestinian resistance movement sought Sinwar’s body as part of the initial stage of a potential truce. Sinwar, who succeeded Ismail Haniyeh as the leader of Hamas’ Political Bureau in August, was killed on 18 October 2024 during confrontations with occupation forces. Contrary to Israeli claims that he was in hiding with “hostages”, Sinwar died on the frontlines in a defiant and symbolic fight to the end.
Meanwhile, Hamas announced progress in mediated ceasefire talks with Qatar and Egypt. A statement from the Palestinian resistance group expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations to end the war on Gaza and secure a prisoner exchange with Israel. A senior Hamas delegation, led by Mohammad Darwish, met Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha to review recent developments.
A Palestinian official speaking to Al Mayadeen noted that most obstacles to a ceasefire deal and prisoner exchange have been resolved. However, Hamas insists on a permanent cessation of the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as conditions for any agreement. The occupation state, however, remains steadfast in its demand for Hamas’s dismantling as a prerequisite for halting its genocidal war on Gaza.
