The top military leader of Hamas in Gaza has been without contact with the negotiators for six days and they suspect that he wants to block the ceasefire

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The path to achieving a truce in Gaza before the start of Ramadan continues to face obstacles as mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States work towards a resolution in Cairo. However, the main challenge lies in reaching Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, whose approval is crucial for any agreement to be implemented.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Egyptian and Qatari negotiators have been unable to contact Sinwar for at least a week, making it unlikely that a truce will be achieved before the start of Ramadan on March 10. Instead, it is speculated that an agreement may be reached during the first weekend of the holy month.

Sinwar, believed to be hiding in the tunnels beneath Khan Younis, has reportedly expressed no urgency in reaching a deal on hostages, with suggestions that he may prefer to see tensions rise during Ramadan instead. Israeli officials fear an escalation of violence not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Israel has accepted a framework for an agreement negotiated by American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, which includes a six-week ceasefire and increased aid to Gaza. However, Hamas has yet to provide a detailed response, leading to tensions between the two parties.

Israel has given Hamas until Ramadan to return hostages held in Gaza or face a potential ground offensive in Rafah on the Egyptian border. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of capturing or neutralizing Sinwar, stating, “We will kill the leaders of Hamas. We must not end the war before that.”

Locating Sinwar poses a challenge not only tactically but also politically, as any military operation risks the lives of hostages believed to be nearby. Israeli and US intelligence officials are working to address this delicate situation and reach a peaceful resolution in Gaza.