Despite Israel’s relentless efforts to eliminate Hamas leadership, Yahya Sinwar continues to exert influence from the shadows.

The Oct. 7 mastermind recently sent a letter to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, thanking him for his continued support in fighting against Israel. In the letter, published by Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen daily, Sinwar frames the conflict as “one of the most honorable historical battles of our people” and blesses Hezbollah for attacking the “Nazi Zionist occupation” in the north.

Sinwar also swore to keep fighting the “Zionist project” until the “occupation is defeated and swept away from our land, and our independent state with full sovereignty is established with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Perhaps more striking is Sinwar’s reported outreach to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, congratulating him on his election victory. Both communications, purportedly sent from Sinwar’s underground hideout in Gaza, demonstrate a surprising level of engagement with the outside world, which has left Israel frustrated.

Despite being unseen for months, Sinwar has played a key role in negotiations through secure communications channels. He reportedly uses sophisticated jamming devices and frequently changes secure lines to avoid detection by Israeli forces, who have placed a $400,000 bounty on his head.

Sinwar has been expressing his demands via written and audio messages, relayed by his trusted aide Khalil Al Hayah to Egyptian mediators. Al Hayah has also spoken on Sinwar’s behalf during months of talks between Hamas and Israel, facilitated by mediators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar.

Given his new political role following the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, a dark shadow has been cast on reviving ceasefire negotiations.