Who's the enigmatic figure Yahya Sinwar, Palestine's Hamas leader infamously labeled as "the walking dead" by Israeli forces?
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed Sinwar was missing, likely hiding underground in the Gaza Strip, but Netanyahu's advisor stated on a Wednesday: "Either way, we'll find him. Capture him."
Israel publicly accused Sinwar of orchestrating the Hamas terror attack on October 7 – although experts suggested he was one of many involved – making him a prime target in the Hamas's Gaza war.
Born in a refugee camp in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, Sinwar joined the radical Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas, in the late 1980s. He played a significant role in building Hamas's military wing before transitioning into a civilian and political role, establishing key political relationships with regional Arab powers.
Elected to the Hamas's top decision-making body in 2017, Sinwar was also promoted to the political head of Hamas's Gaza branch. Despite US labeling him as a global terrorist and sanctions imposed by the UK and France, Sinwar remains a powerful figure within Hamas.
Harel Cholev, Senior Fellow at Tel Aviv's Moshe Dayan Center for Middle East and African Studies, stated, "Sinwar might be a key figure within Hamas, but he shouldn't be seen as their sole leader." Cholev added that Sinwar, along with Kassam Brigade commander Mohammed Maas Li and Marwan Issa, Deif's deputy, formed a trio responsible for the October 7 attack.
While Sinwar's silver hair and deep-set eyes make for an easily recognizable persona in the international community, it was Deif who announced the October 7 attack. A shadowy figure with a long history of mystery, Deif has seldom been seen in public.
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
Hamas's Strategic Alliances
Sinwar's relationship with Iran plays a crucial role in Hamas's operations. Since Sinwar's release from prison, he has forged close ties with Iran, securing financial and military support for the Hamas's cause.
The Fall of the Gaza Strip
The region saw a series of attacks following the October 7 attack, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and displacement of thousands. The conflict raised questions about ethics, security, and diplomacy in the Middle East.
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Despite US declaring Sinwar a global terrorist, Hamas's political prowess and strategic alliances under Sinwar's leadership have shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
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- Sinwar is the leader of Palestine-based radical Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Known for his close ties with Iran and serving as the head of Hamas's military wing, he initially gained notoriety for his brutal methods of securing power.
- Born in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza in 1962, Sinwar became involved with Hamas during the late 1980s, masterminding the covert intelligence wing, Al-Majd, which targeted Israeli collaborators with serious repercussions.
- Sinwar gained a reputation as a ruthless leader following his imprisonment and subsequent release in a prisoner exchange in 2011. This release paved the way for his rise as the political head of Hamas in Gaza.
- Sinwar's reign as leader of Hamas has marked a period of increased activity in the Gaza Strip, including military conflicts with Israel and strengthened ties with Iran. His political clout also encompasses founding the Al-Mujamma al-Islami al-Filastini, an umbrella organization for various Palestinian Islamic groups, further solidifying his political reign.
- In contrast to his reputation as a brutal dictator, Sinwar is also known for speaking out against his own military actions, calling for peaceful solutions and negotiations with Israel, and taking on leadership roles in various aspects of Hamas's political and social structure.
- Sinwar faces widespread criticism both at home and abroad due to his role in the ongoing conflict with Israel and allegations of human rights violations, including violations against Palestinian civilians. As a result, many nations, including the United States and European Union members, have imposed financial and political sanctions against Hamas and Sinwar himself.
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