Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Remains at Large Amid Ongoing Conflict

Despite being at the top of Israel's hit list, Sinwar continues to lead Hamas' fighters and control hostage negotiations as the war enters its seventh week.

• Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza, is the mastermind behind the attack on Israel that triggered the worst Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed in generations.
• Sinwar, a secretive figure, is at the top of Israel's hit list. Despite this, he remains alive and in hiding seven weeks into the war, leading Hamas' fighters and controlling the group’s negotiations over nearly 240 hostages captured during the attack.
• Sinwar's political fate may depend on the outcome of the war and whether Palestinians feel they gained anything from their losses. If he can secure the release of all Palestinian prisoners and the lifting of the 16-year blockade of Gaza, it could be seen as a victory.
• A temporary cease-fire and a hostage-for-prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel was announced, but has been postponed until at least Friday. Israel has not provided an explanation for the delay.
• Sinwar, known as the 'Butcher of Khan Younis', is feared for his iron grip in Gaza and his brutal approach to Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel.

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