Hamas has announced that Yahya Sinwar, its top official in Gaza, is now the leader of its political bureau. This decision comes after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. 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 [God] have mercy on him.”
Sinwar, 61, is regarded by Israel as the architect of the October 7 attack that resulted in over 1,100 deaths and more than 200 captives. Following this, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has led to nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths, extensive displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Haniyeh’s assassination, believed to be carried out by Israel, disrupted ceasefire negotiations. Analysts suggest that Sinwar’s appointment underscores Gaza’s significance in Hamas’s strategy. Palestinian political analyst Nour Odeh mentioned, “Sinwar has risen to an influential position, leading Hamas in Gaza. His selection signals that Gaza is central to Hamas’s dynamics and decision-making.”
Hezbollah praised Sinwar’s appointment, describing it as a strong message to Israel and the U.S., and indicating Hamas’s unity. They stated, “Selecting Yahya Sinwar from Gaza, amidst the blockade and destruction, shows that the enemy’s goals have failed.”
Sinwar, born in a Gaza refugee camp, previously headed the Al-Majd security apparatus and became the leader of Hamas in Gaza in 2017. He is among the Hamas leaders sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes on October 7. Warrants have also been sought for Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu and defense chief Yoav Gallant, for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Despite Israel’s efforts to eliminate Hamas, the group has continued to resist, with Sinwar evading capture. Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara commented, “The focus on Gaza and Sinwar is a signal of defiance, indicating that Hamas remains a power in Gaza.”
