Former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar may have ordered that all remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza be killed if he were to be assassinated, according to a report by The Telegraph on Tuesday, which quoted prominent Israeli hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin.

Baskin, who was instrumental in the 2011 negotiations that led to the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including Sinwar, described the situation as “a moment of either opportunity or doom.” He explained that if these reports are accurate, the fate of the 101 remaining hostages in Gaza, at least 60 of whom are believed to be alive, could be catastrophic.

“A moment of doom because there are rumors that Sinwar instructed people holding hostages that, should he be killed, they should kill their hostages,” Baskin told The Telegraph. He added that, while these reports have yet to be confirmed, they must be “taken seriously” considering recent instances where hostages were murdered. In August, six Israeli hostages were executed by Hamas in Rafah after the IDF moved toward the Gaza tunnel where they were being held.

On the day of Sinwar’s reported death, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu offered financial rewards and safe passage to any individuals in Gaza who assist in the release of the hostages.

Baskin, who has years of experience engaging with Hamas, believes that Sinwar’s death could potentially create an opening for a ceasefire and new hostage negotiations, but only if the U.S. applies its full diplomatic and military pressure on Israel.

“It’s a moment of opportunity where Israel should be issuing a very clear call that anyone who’s holding a hostage that releases them will be given free passage for themselves and their family out of Gaza to another country, as well as a lot of money,” Baskin told The Telegraph.

Baskin emphasized that the United States has sufficient “leverage” to push for a ceasefire, but it’s uncertain whether the U.S. administration would be willing to exercise it. He pointed to historical precedents, such as former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker’s decision to limit diplomatic ties with Israel, which had a significant impact on Israeli society, and Henry Kissinger’s use of the term “reassessment,” which brought about considerable political shifts in Israel.

As Hamas prepares to appoint Sinwar’s successor, Baskin noted that President Biden might face political pressure to secure a ceasefire before the upcoming U.S. elections, aiming to leave behind a positive legacy. He suggested that the timing could be crucial for both parties involved.

{Matzav.com Israel}