Yahya Sinwar. (Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
Shortly after being unanimously appointed political leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar sent a message to Egyptian mediators of the hostage deal making it clear that his demands for such a deal have now hardened.
According to sources familiar with the matter talking to the Emirati paper The National, Sinwar wants nothing less than a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of high profile Palestinian prisoners such as Marwan Barghouti, and no involvement in Gaza by either a multinational force (Prime Minister Netanyahu's preferred option) or the Palestinian Authority (preferred by the United States).