CAIRO. Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new political chief, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran last week. This appointment underscores the group’s radical stance and continues the aggressive path taken since the October 7 attack on Israel.
Sinwar, known for orchestrating one of the most severe assaults on Israel in recent decades, has been evading Israeli attempts to eliminate him since the onset of the war. “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,” the group said in a statement.
This announcement coincides with a period of heightened tensions, as Israel prepares for potential retaliatory actions from Iran following Haniyeh’s killing. In response to the leadership change, Gaza-based militants launched a barrage of rockets, intensifying the conflict.
A regional diplomat, familiar with the ceasefire talks brokered by Egypt and Qatar, commented, “The appointment means that Israel needs to face Sinwar over a solution to Gaza war. It is a message of toughness and it is uncompromising.”
Sinwar, who spent significant time in Israeli prisons, is now the most influential Hamas leader remaining after Haniyeh’s assassination. Israel has not taken responsibility for Haniyeh’s killing but has acknowledged targeting other senior Hamas figures, including Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut and Mohammed Deif.
Born in the Khan Younis refugee camp, the 61-year-old Sinwar became Hamas’ Gaza leader in 2017, gaining a reputation as a formidable opponent of Israel. Israel’s chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, laid the blame for the October 7 attack squarely on Sinwar, stating, “There is only one place for Yahya Sinwar, and it is beside Mohammed Deif and the rest of the Oct 7th terrorists.”
The appointment is seen as a consolidation of Hamas’ hardline stance. Khaled Meshaal, a former leader and potential successor, has reportedly supported Sinwar’s appointment, emphasizing loyalty to Gaza and its people. For Israel, this move reinforces the perception of Hamas as an implacable adversary, likely leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue the current military campaign.
The White House has not officially commented, but sources suggest that Sinwar’s appointment might complicate ceasefire negotiations. Despite this, it was anticipated that Sinwar would have significant influence over any peace agreement.
As the conflict, which began with a massive October 7 attack by Hamas fighters, continues, the Middle East remains on edge. The ongoing violence has resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli and foreign deaths and over 250 hostages taken. Israel’s response has been severe, with nearly 40,000 Palestinian casualties reported.
Hamas official Osama Hamdan confirmed that the negotiation team under Haniyeh will persist under Sinwar’s leadership, maintaining their commitment to a resolution. However, political analyst Hani Al-Masri views Sinwar’s appointment as a direct challenge to Israel, reinforcing Hamas’ “extremist and resistant approach.”
“As Sinwar manages the negotiations, he will manage the movement,” Al-Masri concluded.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
