‘Spirit of resistance’: Hamas leader
Yahya Sinwar
Who is Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader whom Israel claims to have killed?
Hamas has announced the appointment of Yahya Sinwar, its senior official in Gaza, as the new leader of its political bureau. This decision comes after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, according to the Palestinian group’s statement on Tuesday.
“The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has announced the appointment of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the new head of its political bureau, succeeding the late Commander Ismail Haniyeh, may [God] have mercy on him,” the group stated in a brief announcement.
Sinwar, 61, is regarded by Israel as the architect of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli territory, which resulted in over 1,100 fatalities and the capture of more than 200 individuals.
“He [Sinwar] has rapidly ascended to a significant position within Hamas, leading the group in Gaza. His appointment as the leader of the movement places Gaza at the forefront of both the current situation on the ground and the internal dynamics of Hamas,” stated Nour Odeh, a Palestinian political analyst based in Ramallah, in an interview with Al Jazeera.
“This really signals that when it comes to ceasefire negotiations, Gaza is in control.”
Hezbollah praised Sinwar’s appointment late Tuesday, describing it as a strong message to both Israel and the United States, indicating that Hamas is unified in its decision-making.
“Choosing Yahya Sinwar from the heart of besieged Gaza—where he stands on the frontlines with resistance fighters and among the children of his people, amid rubble, blockades, killings, and starvation—reinforces the notion that the enemy's objectives in targeting leaders have failed,” the group declared in a statement.
Sinwar was born in a Gaza refugee camp south of Khan Younis and previously led the Al-Majd security apparatus, which was responsible for targeting Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel. He assumed leadership of Hamas in the Gaza Strip in 2017.
He is among several Hamas leaders for whom the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants, citing allegations of war crimes committed on October 7. Arrest warrants have also been sought for some Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Chief Yoav Gallant, for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Despite Israel's vow to eradicate Hamas and a military campaign that is considered one of the most destructive in modern history, the Palestinian armed group has continued to resist Israeli forces in Gaza.
Sinwar has managed to evade capture by Israel, even after Gallant stated that Sinwar was living on “borrowed time” following the events of October 7.
“I believe the emphasis on Gaza and specifically on Sinwar is a strong indication of defiance,” stated Marwan Bishara, a senior political analyst at Al Jazeera.
“It underscores that Hamas is not going to relinquish Gaza and will continue to maintain its influence in the region, which is why its leader is situated there.”
Hayya reports that Sinwar was killed in combat.
In a televised address, Khalil Hayya honored "the memory of the fallen martyr, Yahya Sinwar." 
Describing Sinwar as "steadfast, brave, and intrepid," Hayya stated that Sinwar "sacrificed his life for the cause of our liberation."
"He met his end standing tall, with his head held high, armed and firing until his last breath, until the very last moment of his life.
"[Sinwar] lived his entire life as a holy fighter. From a young age, he was engaged in the struggle as a resistance fighter. He remained defiant behind Israeli bars, and following his release in a prisoner exchange, he continued his fight and commitment to the cause."
Hamas has confirmed that its leader, Sinwar, has been killed in Gaza.
Khalil Hayya, the head of Hamas in Gaza, has confirmed that Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces.
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