Yahya Sinwar’s appointment on Tuesday to replace Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in Tehran last week, has sparked a wide range of reactions.
Iran’s military chief, Abdolrahim Mousavi has praised the appointment by saying that it means that there is “no hope for Israel in the future”
Hezbollah also issued a statement saying Sinwar’s appointment asserts that “the enemy… has failed to achieve its objectives” It is also “a strong message” to Israel, the United States, and allies that “the Hamas movement is united in its decision, solid in its principles, firm in its important choices, and determined”
The Houthis have also declared their backing of Sinwar as their spokesman Mohammad Abdulsalam said they are praying that the new Hamas leader is given divine “support and guidance to carry out this responsibility in this historic phase of the confrontation with the Israeli enemy.”
Hamas’s rival, the Fatah movement which controls the Palestinian Authority. has stated the decision was “logical and expected”
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has also reacted to the appointment by saying “He has been and remains the primary decider when it comes to concluding the cease-fire. And so I think this only underscores the fact that it is really on him to decide whether to move forward with a cease-fire that manifestly will help so many Palestinians in desperate need.”
The deputy spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Defense told “Sky News”: “We have no comment on Sinwar’s choice as head of Hamas.” Adding that: “The deployment of our forces in the region is a message of deterrence,” asserting that “we will stand by Israel if Iran attacks.”
The Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote on X that the appointment was “another reason to bring about his [Sinwar’s] quick elimination and erase the memory of this organization from the face of the earth.”
Ceasefire talks continue
Sinwar has been accused of being the mastermind behind the October 7th attacks on Israel and represents the extreme wing of Hamas.
Political analyst Hani Al-Masri in Ramallah sees Sinwar’s appointment as a challenge to Israel, highlighting Hamas’ adherence to an “extreme and resistant approach.” “As Sinwar manages the negotiations, he will manage the movement,” he said.
Despite Sinwar’s hardline credentials, ceasefire talks are likely to go on. Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera that the movement remains committed to reaching an agreement, with the negotiating team that operated under Haniyeh continuing its efforts under Sinwar’s leadership, who is closely following the talks.
TI
