Embrace of Civilian Death as a Tactic is Backfiring as Israel Completes its Encirclement of the Terror Group

Correspondence from Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, has shed light on the deep internal divisions within the group, impacting ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. As revealed by the Wall Street Journal, Sinwar’s communications with Hamas’s political bureau have highlighted the contrasting strategies and escalating tensions that are contributing to the current deadlock. The strategy is to sacrifice Gazan civilians to isolate Israel in the world and force its defeat before completing its war aim to topple the terror group.

Hamas Leadership Rift

Sinwar’s hawkish stance is in stark contrast to Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas’s political bureau, who is currently negotiating in Cairo. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Sinwar insists on extracting maximum concessions from Israel before agreeing to a ceasefire. In contrast, Haniyeh appears more willing to accept a six-week pause in hostilities to explore the possibility of a lasting truce. This divergence has led to a significant delay in reaching any agreement.

Hostage Release Complications

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Hamas has been unable to guarantee the release of live hostages, stating it could only commit to releasing hostages, dead or alive. The number is unclear. “We cannot ascertain which of the hostages are dead or alive,” said a Hamas official, underscoring the difficulty in meeting Israel’s demands. This admission has significantly complicated negotiations, with Israeli and U.S. officials increasingly skeptical about the feasibility of a large-scale hostage release. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer have been actively discussing the proposal, but progress remains slow due to these internal disagreements within Hamas​.

Sinwar’s Tactical Approach Falters

Sinwar’s approach, as highlighted in his letters, aims to leverage the hostages and the ceasefire to achieve broader strategic goals. He has been criticized within Hamas for initiating the October 7 attack without broader consultation, leading to further internal strife. According to reports, only a few senior Hamas leaders were aware of the decision to attack, excluding Haniyeh. This unilateral decision-making has exacerbated the rift within the group, impacting its ability to present a united front in negotiations​.

In a revealing letter, Sinwar wrote, “The goal is to leverage the situation to our maximum advantage. We cannot afford to make concessions without substantial gains in return.” This underscores his determination to use the hostages as bargaining chips, despite the potential human cost.

Sinwar’s strategy also includes a high willingness to endure civilian sacrifices to pressure Israel. His letters suggest a belief that greater civilian casualties in Gaza will increase international pressure on Israel to make more significant concessions. This perspective is seen in his correspondence, where he stated, “The suffering of our people, though tragic, is a necessary burden to achieve our ultimate goals. The world will not ignore our plight if the costs are high enough.” This callous approach has drawn significant criticism and highlights the extreme measures Sinwar is willing to employ to gain leverage.

Significance and Impact of the Hamas Internal Strife

The infighting within Hamas is not just a tactical issue but reflects deeper ideological divides about the future of the organization and its strategy toward Israel. Sinwar’s insistence on maximizing concessions can be seen as a move to consolidate his power within the Gaza Strip, while Haniyeh’s more conciliatory approach might be aimed at stabilizing the situation to avoid further destruction and loss of life in Gaza.

This internal discord has significant implications for the people of Gaza and the hostages’ families. The inability of Hamas to present a cohesive negotiation strategy prolongs the suffering and uncertainty for all involved. As the deadlock continues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings relief to those affected by the conflict.

Even the US Sees Sinwar’s Hamas as the Sole Obstacle

The letters from Sinwar reveal not only the tactical disagreements within Hamas but also a profound struggle over the direction of its leadership. The ongoing infighting is a major barrier to achieving a ceasefire and resolving the hostage crisis, underscoring the complexities of negotiating with an organization divided against itself. The letters show what Israel is up against and even the US Administration, hostile to Netanyahu, now recognizes his strategy has been justified and progress in Rafah measured and considerate of humanitatarian issues. The US recognizes, for the moment, that Sinwar’s Hamas is the stumbling block.