In response, Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television, “There is only one place for Yahya Sinwar, and it is beside Mohammed Deif and the rest of the October 7th terrorists. That is the only place we’re preparing and intending for him.”
Sinwar has reportedly spent years strengthening Hamas' militia and is at the top of Israel's kill list after being pivotal in the planning of Oct 7 which left over 1,200 dead. Around 250 people were taken as hostages from southern Israel by the terrorists and over 100 remain in their captivity.
According to The Washington Post, Sinwar represents Hamas' "two intertwined strands — a Palestinian nationalist political party, and a militant Islamist movement dedicated to Israel’s destruction."
In a statement, Hamas applauded Sinwar for his "wise and open leadership" and said it was confident in him "as its leader at this sensitive stage."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday, "This only underscores the fact that it is really on him to decide whether to move forward with a cease-fire that manifestly will help so many Palestinians in desperate need."
