Hamas has announced Yahya Sinwar as its new overall chief, following the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.
Sinwar, who has led Hamas’s operations in the Gaza Strip since 2017, will now assume leadership of the group’s political wing, according to a senior Hamas official who spoke to the BBC.
The decision comes after two days of intense negotiations in Doha, where Hamas’s leading figures deliberated on the future direction of the organization.
Sinwar was chosen unanimously by the Hamas leadership, signaling a shift towards a more hardline stance within the group. The selection process was characterized by a high level of secrecy, with only two candidates under consideration: Sinwar and Mohammed Hassan Darwish, a key figure in Hamas’s General Shura Council.
Sinwar’s appointment is significant given the current geopolitical climate. The Middle East is on edge, with tensions soaring as Iran and its allies threaten retaliation for Haniyeh’s killing, which they attribute to Israel. Israel has yet to comment on the accusations. The choice of Sinwar, a figure known for his extreme positions, is seen as a defiant response to the pressure from Israel and its allies.
“Many scenarios were discussed, but ultimately, the decision was made to appoint Yahya Sinwar,” a Hamas official stated. “The killing of Haniyeh, who was seen as a flexible figure open to negotiations, means the group now has to deal with Sinwar and his military-focused approach.”
Prior to his death, Ismail Haniyeh was recognized as a pragmatic leader who played a significant role in Hamas’s political outreach. His assassination has been a severe blow to those seeking a potential thaw in relations between Hamas and other regional players. Sinwar, on the other hand, is regarded as one of Hamas’s most radical members, known for his militant stance against Israel.
Sinwar’s notoriety is well-documented. He is currently at the top of Israel’s most-wanted list, with Israeli security agencies holding him responsible for masterminding the October 7, 2023, attacks, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 individuals taken into Gaza. This attack has been described as one of the most brutal in history, leading to international condemnation.
Israeli officials have responded strongly to Sinwar’s appointment. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the move, describing Sinwar as an “arch-terrorist” and calling for his swift elimination. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari echoed these sentiments, labeling Sinwar as responsible for one of the worst terrorist attacks in history.
The U.S. State Department has also designated Sinwar as an international terrorist, reflecting the broad international consensus on his role in the violence. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned in June that Sinwar was believed to be hiding in Gaza, reportedly “10 storeys underground,” further complicating any potential diplomatic engagement.
