SAEDNEWS: The election of Yahya Sinwar as the new leader of Hamas’ political bureau has shaken Israel and its Western and regional allies to the core and demonstrated a strong sense of unity among Palestinians.
According to SAEDNEWS, Yahya Sinwar has been unanimously elected to lead the resistance following the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israel just a week prior. Haniyeh was killed in Tehran on July 31 while attending the swearing-in ceremony of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
In an official statement on Tuesday, Hamas announced, “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.” This transition of leadership comes at a critical time, as Sinwar is expected to guide the organization through ongoing challenges, including ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan emphasized that Sinwar would continue these critical negotiations and stated, “The problem in negotiations is not the change in Hamas.” He pointed fingers at Israel and the United States for hindering efforts to finalize a deal, reiterating that Hamas “remains steadfast in the battlefield and in politics.”
Sinwar, who is believed to mastermind the October 7, 2023, surprise military operation dubbed Al-Aqsa Storm, is credited with a significant military strategy that led to over 1,100 casualties and 250 abductions. In retaliation, Israel has launched a prolonged war on Gaza, resulting in approximately 39,700 Palestinian deaths, including more than 16,000 children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that these military actions aim to free the captives and dismantle Hamas.
While Israel managed to negotiate the release of over 100 captives following a truce deal in November, the Netanyahu regime's promise to eliminate Hamas has yet to be realized. In the past ten months, efforts to capture Sinwar have been unsuccessful, despite extensive destruction wreaked upon Gaza.
Sinwar’s appointment has met with a positive reception among Palestinians. Hani al-Qano, a displaced Palestinian from Deir el-Balah, praised the move, stating Sinwar could pose a substantial challenge to Israel. “He may have a positive impact on the negotiations and may be a challenge to Israel, given that Sinwar is living inside the Gaza Strip among the people under siege,” he noted.
Residents of the West Bank have shown even greater enthusiasm for Sinwar's leadership. “Choosing Sinwar to lead the Hamas movement was an excellent decision because Sinwar lives in the heart of the battle, and therefore he knows exactly what he is negotiating,” said Farah Qassem, a café owner in Ramallah. Emad Abu Fokheidah, a school administrator, reinforced the notion of resistance, suggesting Sinwar's selection sends a clear message to Israel: “The political solution, which Israel rejected by assassinating Haniyeh, will only come from the barrel of a gun.”
However, this significant leadership change has also instilled panic within Israeli circles. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, threatened the possibility of assassinating Sinwar. This echoes Israel's broader pattern of violence, which, under the guise of targeting Hamas, has resulted in the deaths of countless Palestinians.
Within Israel, there is growing concern regarding Sinwar’s expertise and experience. “Sinwar is really a person with a lot of experience. He was in an Israeli prison, he knows Hebrew, he knows his enemy, which is actually us,” remarked Sagie Havshosh, an Israeli student in Jerusalem (al-Quds).
At 61 years old, Sinwar has led Hamas in the Gaza Strip since 2017. His governance has gained him a considerable following, further bolstered by the recent escalations in Gaza, contrasting starkly with the waning popularity of President Mahmoud Abbas.
Sinwar's dual control over both the military and political wings of Hamas signals his prominent role in shaping the movement's future. The assassination of Haniyeh was a strategic move by the Netanyahu regime, yet it inadvertently positioned Sinwar as a formidable opponent in resistance efforts. This has turned him into the primary negotiator for potential ceasefire discussions and the release of captives—an ongoing challenge for the Israeli government.
Ultimately, the narrative is clear: Israel’s assassination attempts appear to backfire, as Sinwar's leadership could unite Hamas further and solidify its standing in Gaza. His ascension not only strengthens the resistance but also exposes the vulnerabilities of the Israeli regime, highlighting its military and intelligence shortcomings.
Source: Tehran Times
