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Sinwar Re-Elected as Hamas Chief in Gaza

Yehya Al-Sinwar has been re-elected to head Hamas in the Gaza Strip for a second term. (AP)
Yehya Al-Sinwar has been re-elected to head Hamas in the Gaza Strip for a second term. (AP)
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Sinwar Re-Elected as Hamas Chief in Gaza

Yehya Al-Sinwar has been re-elected to head Hamas in the Gaza Strip for a second term. (AP)
Yehya Al-Sinwar has been re-elected to head Hamas in the Gaza Strip for a second term. (AP)

Yehya Al-Sinwar has been re-elected to head Hamas in the Gaza Strip for a second term, officials said on Wednesday, reflecting his control over both political and military wings of the group that rules the Palestinian enclave.

Sinwar, Hamas leader in Gaza since 2017, was freed in a 2011 prisoner swap with Israel after spending more than 20 years behind bars on charges that included killing suspected informants against Palestinian militants.

While he supports Hamas’ opposition to coexistence with Israel, Sinwar has maintained a relatively stable standoff across the Gaza border.

“Sinwar’s victory shows the man maintains a strong grip on things inside the movement, especially within its vital components such as the military wing,” said Gaza political analyst Adnan Abu Amer, according to Reuters.

“The win will enable Sinwar to pursue his policies, whether inside Gaza or with regional countries and the handling of the conflict with Israel.”

Sinwar’s main challenger in the election, which is only open to Hamas members including those in Israeli prisons, was Nizar Awadallah, a long-time official and co-negotiator of the 2011 swap deal.

In a statement issued by Awadallah, he stressed his support for Sinwar, saying: “We stand by his side in every position to achieve the goals of our project and our movement.”

Hamas has yet to elect a leader for the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Sources said his identity would be kept secret as protection against Israel or the administration of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a Hamas rival.

Filling the position of Hamas’s political chief, who also speaks for its military wing, will require more time. The overall leader of Hamas is Ismail Haniyeh, who is also based in Gaza.

Haniyeh is facing a challenge this time by the former head of the group, Khaled Meshaal, who lives in Qatar.

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Arab World

Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
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Türkiye, Lebanon Agree to ‘Work Together’ on Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receiving Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati (EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Türkiye and Lebanon have agreed to collaborate on Syria in the post-Bashar al-Assad era. During a press conference alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Erdogan said: “A new chapter has begun in Syria. We agree that, as two key neighbors of Syria, we must work together.”
Mikati received an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded ministerial session. Separate working meetings were also held between Turkish and Lebanese ministers.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan pointed to the challenges Lebanon and Palestine faced this year due to “Israeli threats and aggression.” He emphasized that “Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the stability of the region, just as regional peace cannot be achieved without a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
He added: “Any state that believes increased killing will bring security is making a grave mistake. Israel refuses to understand this truth.”
He also praised Mikati’s leadership and stressed the need for a ceasefire and Israel’s adherence to it.
On Syria, Erdogan stated that a new phase has begun, emphasizing the need for stability in the country.
He said: “For 13 years, we have endured instability in Syria, which has caused immense suffering in the region. Türkiye opened its doors and welcomed Syrians, just as Lebanon did. Achieving stability in Syria and returning it to normalcy are priorities for the coming phase. Establishing a permanent and sustainable governance structure is essential for Syrians and the region.”
Erdogan reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He continued: “Lebanon and Türkiye will stand by Syria to support its recovery in the coming phase. As we have done in the past, we will act as good neighbors, promoting Syria’s stability. The international community must also take responsibility to ensure regional security and stability.”
For his part, Mikati expressed gratitude to Erdogan, saying: “At every critical juncture Lebanon faces, you have been a steadfast supporter on all levels. We deeply appreciate your brotherly spirit toward our nation and people.”
Mikati highlighted the suffering Lebanon continues to endure due to Israeli aggression, which has caused significant human, economic, financial, social, and environmental damage in recent months.
He underlined the importance of Türkiye’s support in halting Israeli aggression, given its extensive network of Arab and international relationships.
On Syria, Mikati acknowledged Ankara’s active role in the region and reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, expressing hope for freedom and stability for the Syrian people. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening Lebanon-Syria relations based on mutual respect and good neighborly ties.