As the possibility of a leadership change looms within Hamas several high ranking figures are seen as potential successors to Yahya Sinwar. Below are some notable leaders who could take up the mantle:
- Salah al Arouri – A prominent political figure al Arouri is recognized for his involvement in military operations and for being a crucial intermediary between Hamas Gaza operations and its international network.
- Ismail Haniyeh – The current head of Hamas political bureau Haniyeh is viewed as a strong contender for any major leadership role due to his long standing prominence in the group.
- Khalil al Hayya – A leading figure in Hamas political faction al Hayya has been instrumental in both administrative and military affairs within Gaza positioning him as a potential leader.
- Mohammad Deif – Known for his role as the commander of the Al Qassam Brigades Hamas military wing Deif remains a pivotal figure whose influence could see him ascend to a broader leadership position particularly during times of conflict.
These leaders are among the most influential figures within Hamas and are likely candidates to guide the organization future direction depending on evolving political and military dynamics.
Israel had placed a $400,000 reward for information that could lead to the capture or death of Yahya Sinwar. Despite numerous airstrikes aimed at Hamas leaders he has managed to evade capture.
New Delhi:
Yahya Sinwar the Hamas leader responsible for the October 2023 attack on Israel and who evaded capture for over a year was killed by Israeli forces yesterday in southern Gaza. Sinwar 61 had spent two decades in Israeli prisons before returning to Gaza and rising to become its top leader.
As a key architect of the surprise assault on October 7 which resulted in the deaths of over 1200 Israelis and the capture of more than 250 hostages Sinwar was a significant target for Israel. The country had offered a $400,000 reward for information leading to his capture or death. Despite repeated Israeli airstrikes aimed at Hamas leadership Sinwar successfully eluded capture hiding for months in Gaza extensive tunnel network.
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Sinwar death creates a leadership void within Hamas raising concerns about who will take his place during this critical period in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Several senior Hamas figures each with extensive backgrounds in militant operations and political maneuvering are being considered as potential successors.
Here look at the individuals who might lead Hamas:
Mahmoud al Zahar
Mahmoud al Zahar a founding member of Hamas is a leading candidate to succeed Sinwar. Known for his hardline views even within Hamas al Zahar has played a significant role in shaping the group ideological foundation which emphasizes militant resistance against Israel and Islamic governance in Gaza. He was also instrumental in Hamas ascent to power following the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections and served as its first foreign minister.
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Despite surviving numerous Israeli assassination attempts first in 1992 and again in 2003 Mahmoud al Zahar continues to be a significant figure within Hamas political framework.
Mohammed Sinwar
Another possible successor is Mohammed Sinwar Yahya Sinwar brother. Like Yahya Mohammed has been a long standing leader in Hamas military wing and his ascension could suggest continuity in the group strategies. Reports indicate that Mohammed shares his brother hardline stance leading U.S. officials to worry that his leadership could complicate peace negotiations further.
Though he has maintained a low profile Mohammed has played a vital role in the group military efforts and has survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts.
Mousa Abu Marzouk
Mousa Abu Marzouk senior member of Hamas political bureau is also in the running. He was instrumental in founding Hamas after breaking away from the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood in the late 1980s. Having previously led the political bureau Abu Marzouk has been deeply involved in the group organizational and financial strategies including support for militant operations.
Though he was imprisoned in the U.S. in the 1990s for terrorist-related activities he was deported to Jordan and has remained a pivotal figure within Hamas political framework. His extensive experience and connections to the group core ideology position him as a strong candidate for leadership.
Mohammed Deif
The elusive Mohammed Deif commander of Hamas military wing Izz al Din al Qassam Brigades is often rumored to be either dead or gravely injured from Israeli airstrikes. However recent reports as of August 2024 suggest he may still be alive. Deif is credited with planning many of Hamas most complex operations including the attack on October 7 and is regarded as a hardline figure.
His mysterious survival could make him a formidable leader if he emerges.
Khalil al Hayya
Khalil al Hayya a key member of Hamas political bureau currently based in Qatar has played a significant role in previous cease fire negotiations. His leadership could be seen as a pragmatic option for Hamas especially if the group aims to pursue a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Al Hayya participation in the 2014 cease fire discussions with Israel demonstrates his capability in high level negotiations potentially offering a more diplomatic approach for Hamas.
He survived an Israeli airstrike in 2007 that claimed the lives of several family members and his political skills along with connections to international mediators in Doha position him as a negotiator both Israel and Hamas could work with.
Khaled Mashal
Khaled Mashal who led Hamas from 2006 to 2017 remains a respected figure within the organization though he has lost Favor with certain factions. During his tenure he oversaw several key military and political achievements. However his public stance against Syrian President Bashar al Assad during the Syrian civil war strained ties with Iran Hamas main supporter.
Now residing in Qatar Mashal may still hold some influence within the group.
