Secret documents from Hamas reveal the last orders of the recently killed leader Yahya Sinwar, including directives regarding Israeli hostages. , published by the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds,The three pages are claimed to be Sinwar’s final “instructions” and “wills”
The first page contains a note urging hostage captors to “protect the lives of enemy prisoners” as they serve as crucial bargaining chips. The writer emphasized that safeguarding these prisoners is vital for securing the release of Palestinian inmates in Israeli jails, promising rewards for those who fulfill this duty.
At the time of Sinwar’s death, 101 Israeli hostages were believed to be held in Gaza, with at least 60 thought to be alive. The second page, noted on stationery from a Dubai-registered printing company, lists 112 unnamed hostages across three areas—Gaza City (14), central Gaza (25), and Rafah (51)—with an additional group of 22 whose locations are unspecified. It includes details on their names, ages, genders, and whether they are military or civilian.
The final page records the names of 11 female hostages released earlier in the conflict, mostly during a week-long ceasefire in November, noting their foreign citizenship status.
Israel has not commented on the documents attributed to Sinwar. During a November hostage-prisoner exchange, Hamas released 105 civilians, in addition to four previously freed. Eight hostages have been rescued alive, while 37 bodies have been recovered.
The Hostages Families Forum has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to grant full authority to negotiators to secure the release of captives, stating, “Time is running out for the hostages.” This call comes as Israel prepares to send officials to Doha for new truce talks, the first since August.
It remains uncertain if Hamas will participate, though a delegation met with Egyptian security officials in Cairo to discuss proposals. The U.S. believes Sinwar’s death might lead to renewed negotiations, particularly with remaining leaders abroad, potentially accelerating long-stalled ceasefire talks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted this week that Sinwar’s absence presents a genuine opportunity to resolve the hostage situation.
Hamas is reportedly in discussions to choose a new leader, with speculation about Sinwar’s younger brother, Muhammed, potentially taking charge.
