Israeli and American officials agree that Yahya Sinwar is still hiding inside tunnels in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, "surrounding himself with Israeli hostages whom he uses as human shields," according to a report by the American newspaper "Washington Post" on Monday evening, citing Israeli, American, and Western intelligence sources. The biggest challenge, even beyond locating Sinwar's hideout, is conducting an operation to kill or capture him in a way that does not endanger the hostages, according to a senior Israeli official who confirmed that there is a possibility of finding him "but it is not about pinpointing his location, rather executing something without risking the lives of the hostages," he stated.
According to the newspaper's report, the United States is also involved in the search for Sinwar but with caution. Sources familiar with the details indicated that analysts from the American military intelligence agency are assisting Israel in mapping Hamas tunnels, using "powerful analytical techniques" that combine various data outputs. They are also helping analyze encrypted communications and information extracted from computer disks, as well as processing information obtained through interrogation and investigation.
The report also mentions that the cooperation "could aid in the search for Sinwar," although American intelligence does not have operatives in the Gaza Strip and does not assist Israel with its day-to-day operations in the area, such as locating "less prominent" Hamas fighters and the movement's infrastructure. A former official from the "Mossad" told the newspaper that Israelis do not need American assistance in managing the war against Hamas in Gaza, stating that "the question itself is insulting," according to his expression.
