Sinwar as Hamas leader: What are the implications and aspects?
6 Min Read
The appointment of Yahya Sinwar as head of Hamas’s political bureau, succeeding the martyr Ismail Haniyeh, carries multiple significant connotations and messages. What are the most prominent of these?
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Palestinian Resistance movement - Hamas' leader, Yahya Sinwar, undated. (AP)
After extensive and in-depth consultations and deliberations within its leadership institutions, Hamas has announced that Yahya Sinwar, the Movement's leader in the Gaza Strip, will head its political bureau, succeeding the martyred leader Ismail Haniyeh.
The decision, serving as the first response to the assassination of the martyr Haniyeh, generated significant positive reactions among resistance supporters in Palestine and abroad. Undoubtedly, it also weighed heavily on the occupation entity, intensifying the state of anxiety as they awaited retaliation for the assassination.
So, what are the implications and potential consequences of this step?
'Soleimani's friend, a believer of the support front'
In a statement to Al Mayadeen, Palestinian writer and political analyst Ibrahim al-Madhoun stated that Hamas delivered a clear message to the occupation: its leader stands resolutely at the heart of the battle. He further highlighted that this move challenges an unjust world that disregards the weak and only acknowledges the powerful.
Al-Madhoun pointed out that Sinwar had said he was in daily contact with the martyr Qassem Soleimani, indicating his comprehensive strategic vision and commitment to strengthening, organizing, and repairing relations with the Resistance Axis. He also emphasized that Sinwar believed that Operation Al-Aqsa Flood would not succeed without the support of the fronts.
Al-Madhoun asserts that Sinwar, often described as a "military general who never attended military academies" and the "Defense Minister of Hamas who meticulously prepared for the day of the Flood," is also a formidable political and strategic leader. His speeches underscore the deliberate and significant political weight of his words, reflecting his skill in choosing them with precision.
'Response to Netanyahu's obstinacy'
From this perspective, selecting Sinwar at this specific juncture can be seen as a direct response to Netanyahu's obstinacy. Despite Haniyeh's considerable flexibility in negotiations—where he proposed innovative ideas and sought to reach an agreement while adhering to fundamental principles and the legitimate rights of Palestinians—Netanyahu chose to assassinate him. This choice underscores Hamas's stance against Netanyahu's intransigence.
According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, this choice sends a clear message that Sinwar is alive and that the Movement's leadership in the Gaza Strip remains strong, dynamic, and resilient. It also signifies that leadership succession and organizational capability have been quickly restored, despite the disruption caused by Haniyeh's assassination. The swift resolution of this issue reinforces the Movement’s unity and capacity to appoint a new head for its political bureau, countering claims of internal discord.
The choice of Sinwar, whom "Israel" failed to undermine, also sends a message that the policy of pressuring the Movement by targeting its families or assassinating its leaders will not weaken it.
Here is the most wanted man by Tel Aviv, who eluded them during the war, now leading the Movement on the battlefield.
'Presence of Hamas leader in Gaza is proof that the next day in Gaza will be Palestinian'
In an interview with Al Mayadeen, writer and political analyst Hussam Talib highlighted that the legacy of the martyrs must continue, which is exactly what Hamas has demonstrated by choosing Sinwar as Haniyeh’s successor. He emphasized that the presence of a Hamas leader in Gaza is a testament to the resistance, signaling that each new day in Gaza will continue to be Palestinian.
Talib affirmed that the Resistance remains fully capable of leading the Movement from within Gaza and that the claims of its political and military collapse, as propagated by the occupation, are baseless.
Talib reiterated that Sinwar was the first to establish a committee for prisoners within the jails to represent all prisoners and that he was instrumental in crafting the 2014 agreement following the aggression. He also played a key role in reestablishing and strengthening relations with all countries in the resistance axis. Talib highlighted these achievements as proof of Sinwar's political acumen, demonstrating his ability to lead the Movement and manage Gaza effectively to achieve its goals, alongside his expertise and resilience in the field.
He emphasized that selecting Sinwar conveys enduring and immediate messages, which the occupation fully comprehends due to its awareness of who Sinwar is.
Talib further highlighted that Sinwar was known for speaking up in the face of the occupation over necessities like a loaf of bread for prisoners and for speaking up when a child was denied a visit from his mother. He treated the prisoners like his own children.
Sinwar's current leadership of the Movement is viewed as "one of the early signs of victory."
'Commitment to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood'
Western media also analyzed the implications of choosing Sinwar.
The Economist stated that if there were any lingering doubts about the distribution of power within Hamas, they were definitively resolved on August 6, when the movement appointed its leader in Gaza and the artist behind the October 7 operation, as its leader.
The magazine considered that this appointment sends a clear signal that "the most radical wing of Hamas is now in charge of the entire movement, which is increasingly coordinating with Iran.
The Wall Street Journal observed that appointing Sinwar enhances the group's status as an armed resistance movement against "Israel," shifting focus away from its role as a political entity aiming for governance. The paper also noted his call for a close alliance with Iran.
The New York Times saw Hamas' decision to choose Sinwar as a signal that, even 10 months after the start of the war, the Palestinian Movement's leaders remain committed to their decision to attack "Israel" on October 7, 2023.
In conclusion, choosing Sinwar sends a powerful message to the Israeli occupation and, by extension, to the United States and its allies. It demonstrates that Hamas remains unified in its decisions, steadfast in its principles, and resolute in its strategic choices. The decision also underscores Hamas' commitment to continue collaborating with other Palestinian factions on the path of resistance, regardless of the sacrifices required.
