Israel may exchange body of Hamas leader for hostages - CNN
Late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar (photo: Getty Images)
Recently, Israel officially confirmed the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Now his body can become a “bargaining chip” in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, reports CNN.
According to local media reports, Sinwar's remains are currently being stored in a secret location in Israel after he was killed by Israeli forces in southern Gaza.
According to two CNN sources, the issue of hostage rescue is likely to become a priority for Israel. This point will be taken into account when deciding how to use the remains of a man accused by the Israeli state of organizing the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
CNN writes that more than 100 hostages remain in Gaza who were captured during Hamas-led attacks. One Israeli official said that the Israeli authorities are now considering how to “create pressure quickly” on Hamas to release them.
“If Hamas wants to swap his remains for Israelis, dead or alive, then fine,” the diplomat said.
Both sources agreed that Sinwar can be seen as a “bargaining chip.” The exchange of his body for hostages is probably the only way to return the remains of the Hamas leader to Gaza. Otherwise, according to the source, the transfer will not take place.
At the same time, the diplomatic source said that the return of Sinwar's remains to Gaza under any circumstances is a risk of rallying Hamas supporters. In particular, if the head of the group is buried in Gaza, the burial site could become a shrine for followers.
Yesterday, the Office of the President of Israel reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog held a meeting on security issues. It was devoted to the “significant window of opportunity” that Sinwar's assassination represents for the return of hostages.
A day earlier, on October 17, Netanyahu called on Hamas members still holding Israeli hostages to lay down their arms and return the prisoners. He said that those who do so will be allowed to “come out and survive.”
The other day, when the Defense Forces confirmed Sinwar's elimination, the IDF also released a video of the last minutes of the terrorist leader's life.
On the same day, US President Joe Biden had a phone conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu. He congratulated him on the assassination of Sinwar and said that after what had happened, it was time to “move on” and end the war in Gaza.
