Sources familiar with the internal discussions that led to the selection of Yahya Sinwar as the new leader of Hamas in Gaza revealed several key factors behind his appointment.
Sinwar succeeded Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in Tehran. Sinwar’s own ambitions, Khaled Meshaal's decision to step aside, and strategic considerations involving Israel and regional dynamics were all influential in this decision.
Hamas unanimously chose Sinwar in a decisive meeting on Tuesday after two days of discussions.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that most Hamas leaders abroad, including those from Gaza, the West Bank, and members of the political bureau and Shura Council based in Lebanon, Türkiye, and Qatar, participated in these crucial meetings and supported Sinwar’s appointment.
Initially, Sinwar’s name was not proposed right after Haniyeh’s assassination. The focus was on appointing Khaled Meshaal as a temporary leader until the Gaza conflict ended.
However, Meshaal declined due to health issues and unspecified pressures related to various foreign relations. Some noted that Meshaal was seen as more aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood than with Iran.
Sources revealed that Hamas aimed to send several clear messages with Sinwar’s appointment.
The main message was defiance towards Israel, showing unity within Hamas and dismissing any internal conflicts, including the October 7 attack, which Sinwar and Qassam Brigades leader Mohammed Deif masterminded.
This move also signals a return of leadership to the battlefield and reaffirms Hamas’ role in the Iran-led “axis of resistance.”
Sources, who requested anonymity, stated that Sinwar’s selection was primarily a response to the assassination of Haniyeh.
“The key message to Netanyahu and Israel is that by killing Haniyeh, a negotiator willing to make concessions to stop the war, you now face Sinwar, your primary enemy and a war instigator. If Israel’s government wants to continue the conflict, this is our reply,” explained the sources.
Additionally, the sources mentioned that truce negotiations are now in Sinwar’s hands, meaning Israel must negotiate with him. They also confirmed that with Sinwar’s appointment, the decision was made to resume ceasefire talks in Gaza, with Sinwar personally overseeing them.
Other factors behind Sinwar’s selection involve Hamas’s external situation and its relationships with various countries.
“One reason was to ease the immense pressure on the external leadership from mediators and host countries to expel Hamas leaders. Shifting decision-making to Gaza reduces these pressures,” a source, who asked to remain anonymous, told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“It’s easier to assassinate someone abroad, so choosing a leader from Gaza is the best option to handle the movement’s external challenges. It’s unclear if Sinwar’s appointment will succeed, as some countries welcomed it while others remained silent,” the source explained.
Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to kill Sinwar, using his appointment to justify military control over Gaza and the West Bank.
