Israeli forces may use the body of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a “bargaining chip” to negotiate the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, according to sources cited by CNN.
Sinwar was reportedly killed by Israeli forces on Wednesday in southern Gaza, and his remains are being kept at a secret location within Israel.
Two sources indicated that Israel’s main focus would likely be on securing the hostages’ release, as Sinwar is seen as a key figure behind the October 7 terror attacks last year.
More than 100 hostages from those Hamas-led attacks remain in captivity, and Israeli officials are currently exploring ways to exert pressure on Hamas to ensure their release, one source added.
“If Hamas wants to swap his remains for Israelis, dead or alive, then fine,” according to an Israeli diplomatic source.
Both sources agreed that the body of the Hamas leader could be considered a “bargaining chip.”
An Israeli source stated that exchanging hostages is likely the only way the body of Hamas leader would be returned to Gaza. “Otherwise, handing him over is not going to happen,” the source added.
READ ALSO: “Gaza War Not Over,” Says Netanyahu After Yahya Sinwar’s Death
A diplomatic source echoed concerns that returning Sinwar’s remains to Gaza in any situation could provoke increased support for Hamas. The source warned that if Sinwar were buried there, his gravesite could become a shrine for his followers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog held a security meeting on Friday, discussing the “significant window of opportunity” created by Sinwar’s death to facilitate the return of hostages, according to a statement from Herzog’s office.
In remarks made Thursday, Netanyahu urged Hamas members still holding Israeli hostages to lay down their weapons and release the captives, offering those who comply the chance to “go out and live.”
(Vanguard)
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