An Israeli official has stated that "Israel" will under no circumstances return the body of martyred Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in any hostage deal negotiations.

"It will not happen. Period," the official's statement resonated, cutting off any potential for a dignified burial for Sinwar, who was killed in action during confrontations with Israeli occupation forces.

Sinwar, who assumed leadership of Hamas's Political Bureau in August after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, met his martyrdom on October 18, 2024, in the heart of Rafah's Tal al-Sultan refugee camp. Contrary to the occupation's narratives, which falsely claimed he used civilians as human shields, Sinwar was found to be actively engaged in combat, dressed in military attire, equipped with a vest, grenades, ammunition, and an assault rifle.

Eyewitness accounts describe Sinwar courageously facing Israeli soldiers, exchanging fire, and throwing grenades to protect his people and resist the occupation's advance. In his final moments, after a tank shell was fired at his location, severely wounded and shrouded in dust, Sinwar showed defiance, attempting to ward off an observing Israeli drone with nothing but a stick, while still wearing the Palestinian koufiyyeh as a symbol of his enduring resistance.

Despite his injuries, he remained undeterred until the last, showcasing the spirit of a true warrior. His martyrdom came as a result of another bombardment on the house he was defending, demonstrating the relentless nature of the Israeli assault on Palestinian lands and the bravery of those who stand against it.

The refusal by the Israeli authorities to return Sinwar's body adds another layer of grief and insult to the Palestinian community, which has been subjected to continuous aggression, loss, and denial of basic human rights. This act of withholding the body of a martyr is seen not just as a refusal but as an affront to Palestinian dignity and the right to mourn and honor their fallen heroes.

This development has sparked further outrage among Palestinians and their supporters worldwide, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the restoration of Palestinian rights under international law. The international community is urged to act and condemn these actions, pushing for peace and justice in the region. (ILKHA)