The Palestinian movement Hamas is likely to replace its leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israel, with a new leader based outside the Gaza Strip. And Sinwar’s brother, Mohammad Sinwar, is expected to begin playing a bigger role in leading Hamas’s war against Israel in the enclave, Reuters reported, citing experts.
When discussing who should head the movement, it must take into account not only the preferences in this direction of its main supporter – Iran, but also Qatar, where all potential candidates for heading the political bureau of Hamas are now located, notes Reuters.
Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, was killed in a gunfight with Israeli forces on Wednesday.
Today, Sinwar’s deputy, Khalil al-Haya, who is seen as a potential successor to Sinwar, said that the Israeli hostages held since October 7 last year in Gaza will not be returned until Israeli forces withdraw from the enclave and the war ends. .
Hamas is known for quickly and efficiently replacing its slain leaders. The new leader will be chosen by the Shura (special council – note ed.), which represents Hamas members in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, in Israeli prisons and among the Palestinian diaspora.
The other main contenders for the post are Khaled Meshaal, who was Ismail Haniyeh’s predecessor at the head of Hamas. Haniya was killed in an explosion three months ago in Tehran. Another contender for the post is Mohammad Darwish, the little-known chairman of the Shura.
Hamas must notify Qatar of its decision, which has played a major role in the failed peace talks in Gaza. Other regional powers will be notified before a final decision is made on the new leader, Hamas sources said.
Ashraf Abuelhoul from the Egyptian publication “Al-Ahram” and an expert on Palestinian issues, expects Yahya Sinwar’s responsibilities to be divided between two posts – the one who will manage the Political Bureau and the one who monitors the military affairs of the movement, writes BTA.