Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new leader in Gaza, following the death of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in a presumed Israeli strike in Iran. Sinwar, a key figure in the group who was instrumental in orchestrating the October 7 attacks in Israel, is seen as a significant leader within Hamas's hardline faction. This change in leadership indicates the group's intention to continue its conflict with Israel despite 10 months of hostilities that have severely impacted Gaza.
Sinwar's selection is likely to further inflame tensions with Israel, which has placed him at the top of its kill list following the October 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of approximately 250 hostages. The appointment comes at a volatile time, with fears of escalating conflict involving regional players such as Iran, which has vowed retaliation over Haniyeh's death, and Lebanon's Hezbollah, which has threatened to respond to Israel's killing of one of its commanders in Beirut.
Hamas's statement announcing Sinwar's new role as head of its political bureau comes amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations mediated by American, Egyptian, and Qatari representatives. These talks have been shaken by the recent events, including Haniyeh's death, which Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for. Additionally, Israel announced it had confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, Hamas's military wing leader, in a July airstrike in Gaza, though Hamas has not verified this.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari emphasized that Israel considers Sinwar a primary target, linking him to other key figures involved in the October 7 attack. The leadership shift suggests that the on-ground leadership in Gaza, notably the armed wing known as the Qassam Brigades, has taken precedence over the leadership in exile, which historically managed international relations and diplomacy.
Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan stated that Sinwar would continue to lead cease-fire negotiations. He criticized the U.S. and Israel for hindering a cease-fire agreement but emphasized that Sinwar's appointment reflects the group's resilience. Hamas allies Iran and Hezbollah have welcomed Sinwar's appointment, with Khaled Kaddoumi, Hamas's representative in Iran, describing Sinwar as a "consensus choice" who understands both the political aspirations of Palestinians and the military strategies necessary for their cause.
Current negotiations face significant obstacles, particularly regarding the proposed exchange of all Hamas-held hostages for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas has requested assurances from mediators that a cease-fire will persist until a detailed exchange agreement is reached. Israeli leaders, however, have threatened to renew military actions to dismantle Hamas following any partial hostage release.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted Sinwar's critical role in deciding on a cease-fire, stressing that his decision could significantly aid Palestinians in need. Sinwar, who has led Hamas in Gaza since 2017, is known for his firm control over the territory and has been in hiding since the October 7 attacks due to Israel's military response. His leadership marks a shift towards a more hardline stance for Hamas, influenced by his close connections with the Qassam Brigades and figures like Deif.
Hugh Lovatt, a specialist on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted that Sinwar's rise to leadership was unexpected until recently and suggests a hardline shift within Hamas following the deaths of more moderate figures.