FT: Sinwar's demise to intensify diplomatic efforts to end Gaza conflict

Israel's killing of Yahya Sinwar marks a significant symbolic victory in its ongoing war against Hamas, which began after the militant group's unprecedented attack last year.

Thus, Western representatives have begun negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, Caliber.Az reports per Financial Times.

“It’s time for this war to end and bring these hostages home,” said US President Joe Biden.

“I talked with [Netanyahu] about that. We’re going to work out what, what is the day after now. How do we secure Gaza and move on.”

One initiative being discussed would see Israel offer a “pause” in its offensive in return for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, according to a western diplomat. The proposed deal would also guarantee the physical safety of Hamas fighters who freed the hostages and involve a resumption of discussions aimed at ending the conflict, they added.

The success of any diplomatic efforts also hinges on the future of Hamas following Sinwar’s death. For the past year, he has been the central decision-maker within the organisation, both concerning the war in Gaza and negotiations related to the hostage situation.

Analysts suggest that a crucial question will be how Hamas might fragment in his absence and whether its leadership can ensure that the fighters holding the remaining hostages — who are believed to be in various locations — would adhere to any agreement to release them.

Following confirmation of Sinwar's death, sources indicated that Hamas leaders commenced discussions regarding their future, including the selection of a new leader, current confrontations, and ceasefire negotiations.

Sources familiar with Hamas' decision-making processes suggest that Sinwar's absence may shift control back to leadership based outside Gaza. This transition could facilitate quicker and more straightforward negotiations for a ceasefire, potentially aligning with Israeli interests.

Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that urgent discussions took place between the negotiation team and security officials after Sinwar's killing.

Sinwar was among those released during the 2011 prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. Following his release, he rapidly ascended to power and was first elected head of Hamas in Gaza in 2017, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who then became the overall leader of the movement. Sinwar assumed the leadership role in August.

By Aghakazim Guliyev