Who was Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar?

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by an Israeli attack in Gaza. Here are the key moments from Yahya Sinwar’s life explaining why his possible death is a game changer in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Born in 1962 in the Khan Younis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, Sinwar’s family were refugees expelled from al-Majdal, today known as Asheklon, during the 1948 Nakba.

Sinwar has been involved with Hamas since its inception in the late 1980s. He co-founded the movement’s military wing, al-Qassam Brigades, and played a crucial role in building its intelligence capabilities.

Sinwar was first arrested by Israel in 1988 and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the kidnapping and killing of two Israeli soldiers. He spent 23 years in Israeli prison prior to his release in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, which saw over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners freed. Sinwar had become an influential figure among Palestinian prisoners.

In 2013, Sinwar joined the political bureau of Hamas and in 2015 he was added to U.S.’ list of foreign terrorists. By 2017, he became the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

After his reelection to the top position of Hamas in Gaza in 2011, he survived an Israeli assassination attempt. The following year he would call on Palestinians to attack Israel by any means.

Sinwar’s leadership, influence

Sinwar is known for his hardline views and has often opposed cease-fires and negotiations with Israel, advocating instead for armed resistance.

His leadership in Gaza has seen increased militarization and a focus on strengthening Hamas’s military capabilities. Despite this, he has also engaged in some pragmatic politics, negotiating cease-fires when it has suited Hamas’ strategic interests. He had helped cultivate strong ties between Iran and Hamas.

Sinwar has a reputation for his brutal methods, earning him the nickname “the butcher of Khan Younis.” He was involved in the abduction and killing of Israeli soldiers and Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel.

Sinwar is believed to be one of the main culprits and architects behind the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi had stated “he and all those under him are dead men walking” following Oct. 1.

Future of Hamas remains uncertain

Sinwar had replaced Ismail Haniyeh who was assassinated in Tehran, Iran, on July 31, 2024. Sinwar held the position of chairman of Hamas political bureau for only two and a half months.

Khaled Meshaal is a potential candidate to succeed Sinwar following his death.