Yahya Sinwar, the prominent Hamas leader in Gaza who orchestrated the deadly attack on Israel on October 7, has been named the organization's new leader. This follows the death of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in an airstrike in Iran. Sinwar's appointment is likely to incite Israel, which has put him at the top of its target list after the October attack that killed 1,200 people and took roughly 250 hostages in the south of Israel
Sinwar, who is known for his close ties to Iran and his efforts to strengthen Hamas over the years, takes the leadership role amid growing fears of an escalation of the conflict that could see Israel fighting on multiple fronts. Iran has already vowed to retaliate for the airstrike that killed Haniyeh. Israeli officials suspect that Sinwar has taken refuge in the extensive network of tunnels in the Gaza Strip, using hostages as human shields.
The death of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing, in a July airstrike in Gaza was confirmed by Israel last week, although Hamas has yet to confirm it. Khaled Kaddoumi, Hamas's representative in Iran, described Sinwar as a popular “consensus choice” among all factions and who has participated in the group's decision-making process, including in negotiations.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Sinwar “has been and remains the main decision-maker in concluding the ceasefire”. He stressed that it is up to Sinwar to decide on a ceasefire that will greatly benefit the Palestinians who desperately need it, who are caught in the crossfire. Sinwar has been the leader of Hamas in Gaza since 2017, ruling with a firm hand.
In May, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sinwar on charges of war crimes related to the October 7 attack, as well as for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's Defense Minister for crimes of war
the mail Yahya Sinwar named new Hamas leader amid escalating fears of conflict appeared first NewsGPT.ai.
English 
Español de Venezuela