Hamas has named its Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar as successor to former political chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran last week.
The move reinforces the radical path pursued since the October 7 attack on Israel.
Announcement On Haniyeh’s Successor
Sinwar, 61, the architect of the most devastating attack on Israel in decades, has been in hiding in Gaza
Sinwar was defying Israeli attempts to kill him since the start of the war.
Statement By Hamas
“The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas announces the selection of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the head of the political bureau of the movement.”
The Movement made this announcement in a brief statement.
It added that Sinwar will be succeeding the martyr Commander Ismail Haniyeh.
“May Allah have mercy on him,” the statement read.
Reaction To The News
This news has come when Israel is preparing for a response to the killing of Haniyeh.
A Diplomat’s Interpretation
A diplomat said, “The appointment means that Israel needs to face Sinwar over a solution to Gaza war.”
These talks are aimed at bringing a halt to the fighting in Gaza and facilitating the return of Israeli and foreign hostages.
“It is a message of toughness and it is uncompromising.”
Israel Has Not Claimed Responsibility For The Assassination
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the assassination.
It however said it killed other senior leaders.
These included Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri and Mohammed Deif, the movement’s military commander.
A Glimpse Into Sinwar’s Life
Sinwar, who spent half his adult life in Israeli prisons, is the most powerful Hamas leader left alive following Haniyeh’s assassination.
He was born in a refugee camp in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.
Sinwar was elected as Hamas’ leader in Gaza in 2017.
By then, he had gained a reputation as a ruthless enforcer among Palestinians and an implacable enemy of Israel.
Israel’s Chief Military Spokesman Has Blamed Sinwar For the Oct 7 Attack
Israel’s chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, blamed Sinwar for the Oct 7 attack and said Israel would continue to pursue him.
He said, “There is only one place for Yahya Sinwar, and it is beside Mohammed Deif and the rest of the October 7 terrorists.”
“That is the only place we’re preparing and intending for him,” the military said in a statement.
Sinwar Gets Support From Khalid Meshaal
Khaled Meshaal, a former leader who was a potential successor to Haniyeh, backed Sinwar.
For Israel, the appointment is a confirmation that Hamas is a foe dedicated to its destruction.
It is likely to reinforce Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence that Israel must pursue its campaign in Gaza to the end.
Casualties
In Gaza, some 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed and over 250 held captive.
Israel retaliated by launching a relentless campaign resulting in loss of lives and property.
So far, almost 40,000 Palestinians have died and the densely populated enclave is in ruins.
Amid mutual recriminations from Hamas and Israel, attempts at reaching a ceasefire have foundered.
Movement Remains Committed
Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera that the movement remained committed to reaching a deal.
He added that the team that handled the negotiations under Haniyeh would continue under Sinwar’s leadership.
How A Political Analyst Views Sinwar’s Appointment?
But Hani Al-Masri, a political analyst in Ramallah, said Sinwar’s appointment to lead the movement overall was a direct challenge to Israel.
It sends a message about Hamas’ adherence to his “extremist and resistant approach”.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
