Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar, the group’s leading figure in Gaza who orchestrated the devastating October 7 assault on Israel, as its new leader following the death of his predecessor, who was killed in an Iranian airstrike.
This decision is likely to escalate tensions with Israel, which has listed him as a top target after the October 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in southern Israel and approximately 250 hostages being taken.
In an official statement, Hamas declared the “election of Commander Yahya Sinwar as head of the movement’s political bureau, succeeding the slain leader Ismail Haniyeh, may he rest in peace.”
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Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar, its primary leader in Gaza, responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel, as its new head. (AP)
Sinwar maintains close ties with Iran and has worked extensively to enhance the capabilities of Hamas. His rise follows the death of Ismail Haniyeh, who was reportedly killed in a bombing in Tehran, while a senior Hezbollah commander was also killed in a suspected Israeli operation in Beirut last week.
These assassinations have heightened concerns of an escalating conflict that may involve Israel on multiple fronts.
In response, Iran has pledged retaliation. Israel has accused Sinwar of being the architect behind the deadly October 7 assault. Israeli authorities believe he is hiding in the extensive network of tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, possibly using hostages as human shields.
Last week, Israel confirmed the death of the commander of Hamas’ military branch, Mohammed Deif, in a reported airstrike in Gaza in July, although Hamas has not acknowledged his demise.
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Israeli forces have uncovered a smuggling tunnel along the Gaza-Egypt border, according to the Israel Defense Forces. (Israel Defense Forces)
Khaled Kaddoumi, Hamas’ representative in Iran, described Sinwar as a “consensus choice” with support across various factions, stating he has been instrumental in decision-making, including negotiation processes. In a voice message to the Associated Press, Kaddoumi remarked that Sinwar understands the political aspirations of Palestinians for statehood and the return of refugees, while also being a “tenacious fighter on the battlefield.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Sinwar “has been and continues to be the primary decision-maker regarding any potential cease-fire.”
He emphasized that Sinwar must “determine whether to pursue a cease-fire that would clearly benefit many Palestinians in urgent need, including women, children, and men caught in conflict… The responsibility lies with him.”
Since 2017, Sinwar has led Hamas in Gaza with a firm grip on power.
Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar, its main leader in Gaza, who masterminded the fatal October 7 assault on Israel, as its new chief. (Mohammed Talatene/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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In May, the International Criminal Court sought an arrest warrant for Sinwar on allegations of war crimes related to the October 7 incident, also targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s defense minister for war crimes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
