Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas terrorist leader who was the mastermind behind the brutal October 7 attack on Israel, is hiding behind at least 15 hostages, according to American and Israeli officials, The New York Times reported.

As the U.S., Israel, and Egypt push Hamas to release the remaining hostages — which include as many as six Americans — Sinwar is negotiating behind a human shield made up of the very people Israeli forces are trying to rescue, officials said. The Times cited “people briefed on the negotiations” between Hamas and Israel who have blamed Sinwar for preventing a deal from being made that would release the hostages.

The outlet added that Sinwar is negotiating “from his hiding space deep in the tunnels below Gaza,” adding that his human shield of hostages “prevent[s] Israel from assassinating him.” Former U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General Jack Keane also told Sky News that Sinwar could have as many as 20 hostages surrounding him and his family.