Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar as the new leader of its political bureau, replacing the late Ismail Haniyeh. The announcement was made on Tuesday, and analysts view this move as a sign that the group is continuing its hardline approach following the recent conflict.
Sinwar has been hiding in Gaza since the start of the recent escalation, resisting Israeli efforts to capture or kill him. The group’s statement declared, “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.”
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The appointment was followed by a barrage of rockets launched from Gaza by fighters opposing Israeli forces in the region. Sinwar, who has spent a significant portion of his life in Israeli prisons, becomes the highest-ranking Hamas leader remaining after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh last week. This killing has heightened tensions in the region, with Iran promising severe retaliation.
Although Israel has not confirmed responsibility for Haniyeh’s assassination, it has admitted to targeting other high-ranking Hamas members, including deputy leader Saleh Al Arouri and strategic planner Mohammed Deif.
A native of Khan Younis, a refugee camp in southern Gaza, the 61-year-old Sinwar was elected Hamas leader in Gaza in 2017. He gained notoriety for his role as a “ruthless enforcer” and his staunch opposition to Israel. Previously, Sinwar led the Al Majd security unit, which was involved in tracking, capturing, and punishing Palestinians accused of working with Israeli intelligence.
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