Yahya Sinwar Named New Leader of Hamas

Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new leader in Gaza, replacing Ismail Haniyeh who was killed recently. Sinwar, a key figure in the October 7 attacks, is now a primary target for Israel. The appointment marks a defiant step for the militant group amid ongoing conflict.

Hamas has announced Yahya Sinwar as its new leader in Gaza, following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in a presumed Israeli strike last week. Sinwar, a secretive hardliner and architect of the October 7 attacks in Israel, is known for his close ties to Iran and the Qassam Brigades.

Sinwar's appointment marks a bold move by Hamas as he is at the top of Israel's kill list after the devastating October 7 attack, where militants killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and took around 250 hostages. The decision underscores the group's defiance in the face of relentless Israeli military campaigns.

Unlike his predecessor Haniyeh, who lived in exile in Qatar, Sinwar has remained in Gaza since 2017, cementing his control over the group's military capabilities. Since the October 7 attacks, Sinwar has been in hiding while Israel's offensive in Gaza continues, resulting in a high death toll among Palestinians.

(With inputs from agencies.)