Sinwar operating above ground, Hamas official says 

Hamas's leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, recently visited some of the combat zones above ground and held deliberations with the group's leadership abroad, a Hamas official has said. 

Speaking to the Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed news website, the unnamed official said Sinwar is performing his duties in the field and is not always staying in tunnels, as claimed by Israeli officials. 

Sinwar, Israel's number one target, has not been seen in public since the 7 October attack. 

Middle East Eye can not independently verify reports about his whereabouts.

The Hamas official also told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed that the group was holding "30 Israeli army and Shin Bet generals and officers" who are "highly secured" and "cannot be reached under any circumstances". 

He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government were "hiding" information about the identities of some of the military personnel captured by Hamas on 7 October. 

Israeli officials estimate about 10 active duty soldiers are currently held by Hamas.