Written By Lisa Murimi
In a significant development following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar as its new overall chief.
The appointment was confirmed after two days of intense negotiations in Doha, marking a shift in the group’s leadership.
Sinwar, who has led Hamas within the Gaza Strip since 2017, will now head the group’s political wing.
This decision follows the death of Haniyeh in Tehran last week, an event that has sparked heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Iran and its allies have accused Israel of orchestrating Haniyeh’s assassination, though Israel has remained silent on the matter.
The choice of Sinwar, a figure known for his hardline stance, reflects Hamas’s intent to project strength and defiance.
Described by some as one of the movement’s most extreme leaders, Sinwar is currently on Israel’s most-wanted list, with the Israeli government attributing the October 7, 2023, attacks, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages, to him.
Israel has condemned the appointment, calling Sinwar an “arch-terrorist,” while critics argue that his leadership could complicate ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
Sinwar’s appointment underscores the deepening conflict and the challenge facing diplomatic efforts in the region.
