After the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Yahya Sinwar, one of Hamas’ most influential leaders, was designated on Tuesday as the new head of the Palestinian group.
Sinwar, also known as Abu Ibrahim, was born on October 29, 1962, in Khan Younis. Long unknown to the general public, he became known for his presumed role in the events of October 7, which he allegedly orchestrated.
Sinwar is a veteran of Hamas, having led the group’s intelligence service in the late 1980s. He has been involved in numerous actions against Israel, including the kidnapping and assassination of several Israelis and Palestinians suspected of collaborating with the Israeli state. Arrested in 1989, he was convicted by the Israeli judiciary for the murder of a dozen people. During his incarceration, he suffered from serious health problems but was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange. Since his release, he has rejoined the ranks of Hamas, becoming the head of the Gaza Strip in 2017.
Often described as a “hawk,” Sinwar embodies the hardest line within Hamas, contrasting with the more moderate approach of his predecessor, Ismaël Haniyeh. While the political leadership of Hamas is mainly based in Qatar, Sinwar wields considerable influence by effectively leading the Gaza Strip.
On the negotiation front, Yahya Sinwar has shown firmness. According to Israeli media sources, he has presented several demands for a possible ceasefire with Israel, including an immediate cessation of hostilities without conditions, opposition to the forced exile of certain Palestinian prisoners, and clarifications on the materials allowed for reconstruction in Gaza, particularly those necessary for military infrastructure.
This appointment sends a strong signal to the Israeli government regarding Sinwar’s determination and rigidity in ongoing talks, marking a new era for Hamas leadership.
