What is known about US-blacklisted new Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar?

In the wake of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas announced Yahya Sinwar as the new head of its political bureau on Tuesday. Haniyeh was killed in a targeted attack in Tehran, Iran’s capital, escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Sinwar, previously responsible for Gaza, has been chosen as the new leader. Hamas announced through their Telegram account, stating: “Hamas, following the martyrdom of leader Ismail Haniyeh, has elected Commander Yahya Sinwar as the new head of the political bureau.”

Sinwar’s bounty

Israel has placed a $400,000 bounty on Sinwar, accusing him of orchestrating the Oct.7 attacks and citing his role as the leader in Gaza. Despite the bounty, Israel has not succeeded in eliminating him. Known for his aggressive stance, Sinwar’s approach contrasts with Haniyeh’s more diplomatic style.

Sinwar’s US blacklist

Since 2015, the United States has listed Sinwar on its international terrorist blacklist. He is a founder of Hamas’s security apparatus and has been imprisoned three times by Israel. However, he was released as part of negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Sinwar has been a prominent figure within Hamas, rising steadily through its ranks. Since 2017, he has served as the political leader in Gaza.

Sinwar’s rise in Hamas

Born in 1962 in the Khan Younis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, Sinwar has been involved with Hamas since its inception in the late 1980s. He co-founded the movement’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din 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. During his time in prison, he became an influential figure among Palestinian prisoners and was released in 2011 as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal, which saw over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners freed.

Sinwar’s leadership, influence

Sinwar is known for his hardline views and has often opposed ceasefires 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’s strategic interests.

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.

Assassination of Haniyeh

Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new President, Masoud Pezeshkian. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on July 31 that Haniyeh’s residence was attacked in the early hours.

Both Iran and Hamas have blamed Israel for the assassination, while Israeli officials have refrained from commenting. Hamas has described the incident as “a significant and dangerous event that takes the conflict to new dimensions with major regional implications.”

Sinwar’s appointment marks a significant shift in Hamas’s leadership, with the new leader’s reputation for aggressiveness leaving many to wonder how the group’s strategy and operations might change under his command.

Sinwar’s history and his stance on armed resistance suggest that Hamas might adopt a more aggressive approach in the near future.