Media: Sinwar's body may be used as leverage in hostage negotiations

The remains of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could serve as a “bargaining chip” in negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza, according to Israeli sources.

Reports indicate that Sinwar’s body is being kept in a secret location in Israel after he was killed by Israeli forces on October 17 in southern Gaza.

Two sources informed CNN that Israel’s primary focus in utilizing Sinwar’s remains will likely be to secure the release of hostages, particularly given that he is accused of orchestrating the October 7 terror attacks, Caliber.Az reports.

Over 100 hostages taken during the Hamas-led attacks are still in captivity. Israeli authorities are considering ways to apply pressure on Hamas to release them, with one source stating the urgency to “create pressure quickly.”

“If Hamas wants to exchange his remains for Israelis, dead or alive, then that’s acceptable,” said an Israeli diplomatic source. Both sources acknowledged that Sinwar could indeed be viewed as a “bargaining chip.”

An Israeli source indicated that a hostage swap is likely the only scenario in which Sinwar’s remains would be returned to Gaza, adding, “Otherwise, handing him over is not going to happen.”

The diplomatic source also warned that returning Sinwar’s remains could incite Hamas supporters. If buried in Gaza, the location might become a site of reverence for his followers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog convened for a security meeting on October 18 to discuss the “significant window of opportunity” that Sinwar’s death presents for hostage negotiations, according to a statement from Herzog’s office.

In his remarks, Netanyahu urged Hamas members still holding Israeli hostages to surrender and return the captives, stating that those who do would be permitted to “go out and live.”

By Tamilla Hasanova