Hamas’s Sinwar Praises High Civilian Death Toll in Gaza as ‘Necessary Sacrifice’

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Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar has described the high civilian death toll in Gaza as a "necessary sacrifice" for the liberation of Palestine, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. This claim is based on numerous messages sent by Sinwar over several months, in which he emphasized that the ongoing civilian casualties would ultimately benefit Hamas by increasing international pressure on Israel.

 

Sinwar has reportedly communicated to both Hamas members and mediating parties that he has no interest in pursuing a ceasefire with Israel. Instead, he believes that the rising civilian death toll in Gaza, claimed by Hamas health authorities to be over 37,000 since the conflict began on October 7, would serve to strengthen the Palestinian cause and boost global anti-Israel sentiment. These figures, though unverified, have nonetheless contributed to widespread criticism of Israel.

 

In messages to the Hamas leadership in Doha, Sinwar compared the situation in Gaza to the Algerian War of Independence, asserting that such sacrifices are necessary. During this brutal conflict, which took place from 1954 to 1962, both sides committed atrocities, with Algerian historians citing a death toll of 1.5 million Algerians, while French historians estimate around 400,000 deaths.

 

Sinwar's stance extends beyond civilian casualties, showing a lack of sympathy even towards fellow Hamas leaders. For instance, after an airstrike killed three of Ismail Haniyeh's sons and four of his grandchildren, Sinwar reportedly told him that their deaths would inspire and rejuvenate the Palestinian nation.

 

Israel, which has faced significant international criticism for the civilian casualties in Gaza, asserts that it is taking unprecedented measures to minimize such losses. The Israeli government has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields and placing fighters in protected civilian spaces to exploit potential Israeli strikes for propaganda purposes. Israel claims to have killed at least 15,000 Hamas fighters and over 1,000 terrorists during the October 7 attack.

 

Sinwar has consistently opposed ceasefire efforts, insisting that more can be achieved by continuing the conflict. He dismissed meetings discussing post-war Gaza as premature and inappropriate, advocating for continued resistance as long as Hamas fighters remain.

 

In February, amid attempts to secure a temporary truce during Ramadan, Sinwar influenced Hamas leaders in Qatar to reject any pause in fighting, arguing that a higher civilian death toll would increase pressure on Israel.

Publicly, Hamas's political leadership has expressed interest in a ceasefire and a deal for exchanging hostages, but has demanded a permanent cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the lifting of restrictions on goods entering Gaza.

 

Sinwar's messaging indicates a willingness to die in the conflict, likening the war to the historic Battle of Karbala. Despite a recent UN Security Council resolution supporting a ceasefire-for-hostages proposal, Sinwar has maintained that Hamas will not disarm or agree to any terms that include surrendering their weapons.

 

Credit: TOI 2024-06-15

 

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Always useful to see the historical context:

"In messages to the Hamas leadership in Doha, Sinwar compared the situation in Gaza to the Algerian War of Independence, asserting that such sacrifices are necessary. During this brutal conflict, which took place from 1954 to 1962, both sides committed atrocities, with Algerian historians citing a death toll of 1.5 million Algerians, while French historians estimate around 400,000 deaths."