Hamas has announced Yahya Sinwar as its new Gaza leader, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who was recently assassinated in Tehran. Sinwar, known for orchestrating the devastating October 7 attack on Israel, has been in hiding in Gaza, evading Israeli assassination attempts since the war began.
In a brief statement, Hamas said, “The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas announces the selection of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the head of the political bureau of the movement, succeeding the martyr Commander Ismail Haniyeh, may Allah have mercy on him.” This announcement coincided with a barrage of rockets from Gaza, indicating ongoing conflict between Gaza militants and Israeli forces.
A regional diplomat involved in ceasefire negotiations, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, noted that Sinwar’s appointment signals a hardened stance. “It is a message of toughness and it is uncompromising,” the diplomat said, stressing that Israel will have to confront Sinwar in any resolution to the Gaza conflict. These talks aim to halt the fighting and secure the release of 115 hostages held in Gaza.
Sinwar, who has spent a significant portion of his life in Israeli prisons, is now the most prominent Hamas leader following Haniyeh’s assassination, which has escalated tensions in the region, especially after Iran vowed to retaliate.
While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s killing, it has acknowledged eliminating other senior Hamas figures, including deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut and military commander Mohammed Deif. Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, attributed the October 7 attack to Sinwar and vowed continued efforts to eliminate him, stating, “There is only one place for Yahya Sinwar, and it is beside Mohammed Deif and the rest of the Oct 7th terrorists.”