Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has reportedly revived contact with mediators in Qatar this week to explore the possibility of receiving immunity in any potential ceasefire-for-hostages agreement, according to Israel’s Channel 12 news.

The Qatari mediators advised Sinwar to focus on the hostages, who are the primary concern, rather than on his own situation. Israel has yet to respond to Sinwar’s inquiries.

In August, Ynet reported that Sinwar was seeking guarantees for his safety amid fears of an Israeli assassination. A senior Egyptian official noted that he “insists on guarantee for his safety and life”.

Sinwar’s recent outreach followed two significant threats from Qatar. The first, that the oil-rich Gulf nation would not fund Gaza’s reconstruction post-war and second, that it might freeze or confiscate the bank accounts of senior Hamas figures based in Qatar.

The New York Times reported that Sinwar is not seeking a truce with Israel but is instead looking for a broader regional conflict.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Sinwar has renewed contact with mediators for ceasefire and hostage negotiations, indicating Hamas’s readiness for a prolonged conflict to “break Israel’s will.” In a recent letter, he quoted the Quran and suggested an impending escalation in hostilities.

He is believed to be hiding in Gaza’s tunnels and has become more resolute in his position as the war continues.

According to the Times “Hamas has shown no desire to engage in talks in recent weeks, US officials say”. This has suggested that Sinwar feels increasingly trapped as Israeli forces close in on him. There have been doubts about Sinwar’s status, with officials noting a lack of sightings in recent months.

Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, 2023, Hamas has maintained custody of 101 hostages, including 97 from the violent assault in the northwestern Negev that resulted in 1,200 deaths and thousands of injuries.

Qatari officials involved in negotiations have informed families of the hostages that Sinwar is keeping captives close.

IDF Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, Israel’s point person for missing and kidnapped citizens, stated on Monday that efforts to secure the hostages’ release are ongoing.

He emphasised that every “negotiation efforts and moves related to negotiations are taking place constantly,” and highlighted the urgency of the matter.