Israel has reportedly abandoned a plan to assassinate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, citing concerns about the safety of hostages held within the Gaza Strip. This decision comes after a string of targeted killings by Israel, including the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in airstrikes in Beirut. The Israeli military has been targeting key figures and commanders of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has resulted in the deaths of many of the group’s leaders.
According to Israeli news outlet N12, intelligence about Sinwar’s location was available, but Israel ultimately decided against an attack. The reason? Fears that hostages held in the area might be harmed. Sinwar, who took over as the head of Hamas after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh earlier this year, is widely considered the mastermind behind the deadly October 7th attack. This attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, injured thousands, and led to the abduction of over 250 individuals. Of these abducted individuals, around 100 remain within the Gaza Strip. Reports suggest that Sinwar has surrounded himself with these hostages, likely as a means of deterring Israeli airstrikes.
N12 further reported that Sinwar is hiding within a vast network of tunnels beneath Gaza. These tunnels serve as a crucial part of Hamas’s infrastructure, housing their weapons, providing launch points for attacks, offering refuge during battles, and serving as homes for their leaders. The report highlights the scale of the tunnels, stating that they stretch for an estimated 350-450 miles (563-724 kilometers), exceeding the length of the Delhi Metro rail network, which is roughly 243 miles (392 kilometers).
The presence of these tunnels poses significant challenges for Israel. Despite controlling much of Gaza, Hamas maintains control over a large network of tunnels. These tunnels are used to hide hostages and launch attacks against Israeli forces, effectively allowing Hamas to continue their insurgency against Israeli control of the Palestinian enclave. The decision to forgo the assassination of Sinwar showcases the complex realities of the ongoing conflict, where the presence of hostages and the intricate underground infrastructure of Hamas create major obstacles for Israel’s military actions.
