Hamas names Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar as chief following Haniyeh’s killing

Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, last week in an attack that drew threats of revenge on Israel.

Updated: August 7, 2024 01:20 AM IST

2 min read

Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar (AP)

Hamas has announced Yahya Sinwar, its top official in Gaza, as the new leader of its political bureau, Reuters reported.

This announcement follows Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran in Tehran on July 31. Sinwar, who has been hiding in Gaza and evading Israeli attempts to kill him, is known for orchestrating one of the most severe attacks on Israel in recent decades.

His appointment was announced with a brief statement from Hamas: “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 announcement was marked by a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza by militants still engaged in conflict with Israeli forces. Sinwar, who spent years in Israeli prisons, was elected Hamas’ Gaza leader in 2017 due to his reputation as a harsh enforcer and staunch opponent of Israel. He previously led the Al-Majd security apparatus, which targeted Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israeli intelligence.

His rise follows a series of high-profile assassinations, including that of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut and military commander Mohammed Deif. Sinwar’s leadership comes at a time of heightened tensions, with Iran vowing severe retaliation for recent events.

– With inputs from Reuters

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