Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the attack on 7 October, as its new chief.
The previous leader of the group, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran last month, which Hamas denounced as a “treacherous Zionist assault on his residence.”
No responsibility for the attack has been claimed by Israel.
Who is Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar?
For a more accessible video player, please use Chrome browser
IDF releases CCTV of Sinwar shortly after 7 October attack
Following Haniyeh’s demise, Sinwar, the brain behind the assault where Hamas insurgents infiltrated southern Israel, causing 1,200 fatalities and holding 250 people captive, has been named as his successor.
In response, Israel’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, as reported by the Hamas-controlled health ministry, leaving the densely populated area in ruins.
“Hamas declares the selection of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the leader of the organization’s political bureau, taking over from the martyr Commander Ismail Haniyeh, may he rest in peace,” Hamas stated in a concise message.
Upon the announcement, Gaza witnessed a barrage of rockets fired by militants who continue to engage in combat within the besieged territory.
As Israel anticipates retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing, a regional diplomat involved in talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar, aimed at halting the conflict in Gaza and freeing 115 Israeli and foreign hostages held in the enclave, shared, “The appointment means that Israel will need to negotiate with Sinwar regarding a resolution to the Gaza crisis.”
“It signals strength and shows an unwavering stance,” they added.
Explore more:
UNWRA staff dismissed due to suspected involvement in 7 Oct attack
Families of UK embassy personnel evacuated from Lebanon
Eyewitness: Life in Gaza’s last remaining space
Yahya Sinwar during a rally to mark the annual al-Quds Day in Gaza in 2023. Pic: Reuters
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed organization from Lebanon, praised Sinwar’s appointment, stating it “demonstrates that the enemy [Israel] failed to achieve its objectives by eliminating leaders and officials.”
Spending a significant part of his life in Israeli penitentiaries, Sinwar, the most influential surviving leader of Hamas post-Haniyeh’s assassination, has been elusive in Gaza, evading Israeli attempts on his life.
The region has been set on the brink of broader conflict since Haniyeh’s assassination as Israel reported the elimination of other senior Hamas figures, including deputy leader Saleh al Arouri in Beirut and Mohammed Deif, the group’s military commander.
Israel’s military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari attributed the 7 October attacks to Sinwar and pledged continued pursuit of him.
“Yahya Sinwar’s destination is alongside Mohammed Deif and the other 7 October terrorists,” he stated to Al-Arabiya television, as conveyed in a military statement.
“That is the sole outcome we are planning and preparing for him,” he affirmed.
Hamas appeared to unite behind Sinwar’s appointment, with former leader Khaled Meshaal, viewed as a potential successor to Haniyeh, endorsing the Gaza-based leader.
According to reliable sources, Meshaal supported Sinwar “in loyalty to Gaza and its inhabitants.”
A native of a refugee camp in Khan Younis, the 61-year-old Sinwar pursued Arabic studies at the Islamic University of Gaza, founded in 1978 by the individuals who later established Hamas.
During his time there, he developed a close relationship with cleric Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, one of the founders of Hamas in 1987 as a Gaza-oriented offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.
In 2017, Sinwar was elected as the leader of Hamas in Gaza due to his reputation as a rigorous enforcer.
He is suspected of eliminating Palestinians believed to have collaborated with Israel.
