Yahya Ibrahim Hassan Sinwar, born on October 29, 1962, is a prominent Palestinian politician currently serving as the chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau since August 2024. He has also been the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip since February 2017, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh.
Early Life and Education
Sinwar was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in Gaza when it was under Egyptian rule. His family had been displaced from Ashkelon during the 1948 Palestine War. Sinwar pursued his education at the Islamic University of Gaza, earning a bachelor’s degree in Arabic Studies.
Imprisonment and Early Activities
In 1989, Sinwar was sentenced to four life terms by Israel for his role in the abduction and killing of two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians. He served 22 years in prison before being released in a 2011 prisoner exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Sinwar was a co-founder of Hamas’s security apparatus and has been involved in numerous activities within the organization.
Leadership and Actions
Elected as Hamas leader in Gaza in 2017, Sinwar emphasized “peaceful, popular resistance” against Israeli occupation. He was re-elected in 2021 despite surviving an assassination attempt. Sinwar is considered the key strategist behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages.
Designation and Legal Actions
The United States designated Sinwar as a terrorist in September 2015. Hamas and its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, are also labeled as terrorist organizations by several countries, including the US and the EU. In May 2024, the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor announced plans to seek an arrest warrant for Sinwar for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Personal and Additional Information
Sinwar’s life in prison was marked by multiple escape attempts and a role in coordinating prisoner captures for exchanges. Known for his strict stance against collaboration with Israel, he earned the nickname “The Butcher of Khan Yunis.” His leadership within Hamas continues to influence the group’s strategies and actions in Gaza.
