Hamas figure claims that "we've positioned the Israelis in the way we desire," according to unreleased WCJ documents.
"According to recent reports by the Wall Street Journal, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has expressed satisfaction over the situation in Gaza, suggesting that he wants the ongoing conflict to continue. He made these comments during a meeting with Hamas' political leadership in Qatar, although the exact date of the messages is unclear.
The WSJ reviewed numerous messages sent to negotiators for a ceasefire by Sinwar, who has been hiding since the beginning of the war that broke out on October 7, 2021. The conflict has killed more than 37,000 people in Gaza, according to Gaza health authorities, and caused widespread destruction.
In one message, Sinwar described civilian deaths as "necessary sacrifices," comparing the situation in Gaza to past independence struggles in countries like Algeria. He urged Hamas' political leaders to hold their ground and not make any concessions in Israel's upcoming offensive on Rafah, saying "Israel's journey in Rafah won't be a walk in the park."
Despite these messages, the authenticity of the communications has not been confirmed by CNN.
Currently, mediators are waiting for Hamas to respond to an Israeli proposal presented by President Joe Biden last month. The proposal aims to release hostages in Gaza and establish a ceasefire. Although the US is trying to convince those with influence over Hamas to pressure the group to accept the agreement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that only the Hamas leadership in Gaza has the power to make decisions.
Blinken also said that Hamas' answer to the proposal would show the group's priorities. "We await the answer from Hamas, and that will speak volumes about what they want, what they're looking for, who they're looking after," he said. "Is Sinwar fighting for the release of a single man's safety in his underground shelter, or will he take action to improve the situation for everyone? Only time will tell."
In his early messages to ceasefire negotiators, Sinwar appeared surprised by the violence of October 7's attack on Israel. He is quoted as saying, "Things went out of control," particularly concerning the kidnapping of civilian women and children.
Sinwar also expressed his disappointment after being left out of a meeting between other Hamas political leaders. He called the meeting a "shameful and outrageous" move and stated that "as long as fighters are still standing and we have not lost the war, such contacts should be immediately terminated." He also likened the war in Gaza to the 7th-century battle in Karbala, Iraq, a significant moment in Islamic history in which the Prophet Muhammad's grandson was killed.
Sinwar said, "We have to move forward on the same path we started. Or let it be a new Karbala."
Finally, the United Nations Security Council convened to discuss a three-stage peace deal laid out by President Biden on May 31. The plan outlines conditions for releasing all remaining prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. This comprehensive peace proposal has been endorsed by 14 of the 15 UNSC members. However, Russia abstained from the vote, making this the first time a plan to end the war has been passed by the UNSC.
Following the passage of the resolution, Hamas issued a statement welcoming its adoption and expressed its willingness to engage with mediators to implement its provisions. The plan states that Israel has accepted the agreement, though some Israeli officials have contradicted this statement."
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The ongoing conflict in Gaza has drawn global attention, with the Middle East being a region of significant geopolitical interest for the world. The situation in Gaza and the responses of Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar are closely monitored by international communities and diplomats worldwide.
