Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar plotted attacks and believes a rising death toll helps his cause. WSJ's Rory Jones discusses Sinwar's strategy. Sinwar's journey from prisoner to confident leader. International focus on Palestinian cause amid civilian casualties in Gaza. Ceasefire negotiations and pressure in Gaza. ICC seeks war crimes arrest warrants for Sinwar and Netanyahu. Sinwar's determination to fight for the cause despite external pressure.
Sinwar uses Palestinian casualties to attract global attention and pressure Israel.
Sinwar's strategic decisions reflect a commitment to leveraging bloodshed and exploiting Israeli weaknesses.
Deep dives
Yahya Sinwar's Leadership in Gaza
Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, communicates with cease-fire negotiators and other Hamas members despite being hunted by the Israeli military. Sinwar believes Hamas is winning the war against Israel, even with Gaza in ruins and thousands dead, as he thinks Palestinian casualties draw attention to their cause. Sinwar's upbringing in a conflict-ridden environment and his time in Israeli prison shape his militant approach and strategic mindset.
Sinwar's Strategies and Calculations
Sinwar's strategic decisions involve leveraging Palestinian bloodshed to gain global attention and pressure Israel, including supporting protests along the border. He aims to exploit Israeli weaknesses, as shown in his plan to kidnap and exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Sinwar's confidence in surviving the conflict grows despite casualties, portraying a defiance and belief in eventually forcing Israel to end the war on favorable terms for Hamas.
Ceasefire Negotiations and Future Outlook
Ceasefire negotiations face challenges as Israel seeks to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities while Hamas demands a permanent end to fighting. Sinwar's commitment to the cause and readiness to die for it indicate a potential prolonged conflict with uncertain prospects for peace. International pressure mounts on Israel and Hamas leaders, leading to a standoff in negotiations as both sides remain far apart in their demands and ultimate goals.
Yahya Sinwar is the Hamas leader inside Gaza who allegedly plotted the October 7th attacks. According to private messages reviewed by the WSJ, Sinwar believes that a rising Palestinian death toll—and the international condemnation it brings—is in the best interest of his cause. WSJ’s Rory Jones walks us through Sinwar’s strategy.