The body of Yahya Sinwar… Israel’s lottery ticket for freeing its prisoners?

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At the same time that “Hamas” announced its conditions for the release of Israeli prisoners in the Gaza Strip, Tel Aviv brandished the body of Yahya Sinwar, head of the political bureau of the movement, as a “bargaining chip,” hoping to extract concessions on this issue.

• The Killing of Sinwar returns power to Hamas Leaders Abroad

• Washington hopes to end the Gaza war following Sinwar’s death

In a televised address mourning Sinwar, Khalil Hayya, a member of Hamas‘s political bureau, stated: “We say to those lamenting the prisoners at the hands of the resistance, that these prisoners will not return to you except with the cessation of the aggression against our people in Gaza and the complete withdrawal from it and the release of the heroic prisoners from the occupation prisons.”

Israel’s lottery ticket?

However, Israeli sources told CNN that the body of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could be used as a “bargaining chip” in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

• Will Sinwar’s Death End the Gaza War?

• Shin Bet Denies the Death of Yahya Sinwar

Local media reports indicated that Sinwar‘s body is currently being held in a secret location inside Israel, after he was killed by Israeli army forces on Wednesday in southern Gaza.

Two sources told CNN that securing the release of the hostages is likely to be Israel’s priority in determining how to utilize the remains of the man whom Israel accuses of planning the attacks on October 7, 2023.

Over a hundred hostages remain held in Gaza since the onset of attacks led by Hamas. An Israeli source stated that Israeli authorities are currently considering how to “quickly exert pressure” on Hamas to secure their release.

• The “Safe Passage” Deal for Sinwar: “Good Only on Paper”

• Sinwar and the hostages… The revelation of a “safe exit deal” for Hamas leaders from Gaza

For his part, an Israeli diplomatic source stated: “If Hamas wants to exchange his remains for Israelis, whether alive or dead, that’s fine.” The two sources agreed that Sinwar could be considered a “bargaining chip.”

The remains of Yahya Sinwar

The Israeli source noted that prisoner exchanges are likely the only way for Sinwar‘s remains to return to Gaza, adding: “Otherwise, they will not be handed over.”

According to the diplomatic source, returning Sinwar‘s remains to Gaza under any circumstances could rally Hamas supporters. The source also predicted that the site would become a pilgrimage for his followers if he were buried in Gaza.

• Sinwar flirts with Nasrallah with a ‘rare’ message: Objectives and timing mystery

• Israel Proposes Safe Exit to Sinwar in Exchange for Hostages’ Release

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog held a security meeting on Friday regarding the “important opportunity” that Sinwar‘s death presents for the return of the hostages, according to a statement from Herzog’s office.

In statements made on Thursday, Netanyahu also urged Hamas members who are still holding Israeli hostages to lay down their arms and return the prisoners, saying that anyone who does so will be allowed to “come out and live.”

Hamas confirmed the death of its leader Yahya Sinwar in a video statement by senior official Khalil Hayya, who served as the group’s chief negotiator in talks for a potential ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

• Washington Accuses Hamas Leaders of Terrorism, Including Sinwar

• Khaled Meshaal Calls for Return to “Suicide Operations”: What’s the Connection with Sinwar?

Out of 251 individuals kidnapped during the attack, 97 are still being held in Gaza, including 34 who the military claims are deceased.

The Forum of Families of Hostages and Missing Persons has called on the Israeli government and international mediators to leverage “this significant achievement to secure the return of the hostages.”

Ayala Metzger, the wife of hostage Yorum Metzger who was killed and whose body was recovered by Israel from Gaza, stated: “Now that Sinwar is no longer an obstacle to the release of the hostages, it is unacceptable for them to remain in captivity for even one more day.” However, she added, “We fear that Netanyahu does not intend to end the war, nor to return the hostages.”