Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar issues defiant message amid ongoing conflict with Israel

Yahya Sinwar, the top Hamas official in Gaza, has delivered his first public message since the October 7 attacks on Israel, stating that Hamas is engaged in an "unprecedented battle" against Israeli forces. Sinwar claims that Hamas has inflicted heavy losses on the Israeli occupation forces while remaining defiant about Israel's advance in Gaza.

Despite ongoing discussions about a potential deal brokered by Egypt, which includes a permanent ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, Sinwar insists that Hamas "will not be subject to the conditions of occupation." The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed to be close to capturing Sinwar, offering a $400,000 bounty for information on his whereabouts.

Hamas is “fighting a fierce, violent and unprecedented battle against the Israeli occupation forces, and the occupation army suffered heavy losses in life and equipment”, he said in a letter published by Al Jazeera. The group leader also claimed that Hamas has killed more than a thousand Israeli soldiers while Israel has said that 156 soldiers have died in the ground operation in Gaza.

Hamas “will not be subject to the conditions of occupation", he said about ongoing discussions over a potential deal with Israel which Egypt has reportedly drafted. The plan includes a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the release of all Israeli hostages, and talks to establish an inclusive Palestinian government in Gaza.