Reactions Pour In as Sinwar Elected Hamas Political Leader

The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on Tuesday that Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks in Israel, has been chosen as its new leader in Gaza. This appointment follows the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political leader, in a presumed Israeli strike in Iran last week.

Sinwar, known for his close ties to Iran and his leadership of Hamas’ hardliners, is now at the top of Israel’s target list. Unlike Haniyeh, who lived in exile in Qatar, Sinwar has remained in Gaza, leading Hamas since 2017 with a focus on strengthening its military capabilities. He has been in hiding since the October 7 attacks as Israel intensified its military campaign in Gaza, where the Palestinian death toll has approached 40,000.

 

U.S. Reaction

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Sinwar holds significant power to ensure a cease-fire deal is reached. Blinken stated, “Sinwar has been and remains the primary decider when it comes to concluding the cease-fire. It’s really on him to decide whether to move forward with a cease-fire that will help many Palestinians in desperate need.”

 

Israeli Response

Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, reiterated Israel’s commitment to targeting Sinwar following his election as Hamas’ political leader. Hagari stated, “There is only one place for Yahya Sinwar, and it is beside Mohammed Deif and the rest of the October 7th terrorists.” Israel claims to have killed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing, in a recent strike, though Hamas has not confirmed this.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz also called for Sinwar’s elimination, describing him as an “arch-terrorist” responsible for the October 7 attacks. Katz stressed the need to “swiftly eliminate him and wipe this vile organization off the face of the Earth.”

 

Hezbollah’s Position

Hamas ally Hezbollah congratulated Sinwar on his new role, stating that his appointment signifies the failure of Israel’s attempts to achieve its objectives through the killing of Hamas leaders. Hezbollah’s statement emphasized the unity and determination of the Hamas movement to continue its resistance.

Sinwar’s leadership marks a significant moment for Hamas as it continues to confront Israel amidst escalating tensions and ongoing conflict.