Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar, the alleged mastermind behind the October 7 attack, as its new leader, further intensifying regional tensions as the Gaza war entered its 11th month on Wednesday.
Israeli Response
Israel reacted strongly to Sinwar’s appointment, especially in light of the recent assassination of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned Sinwar’s promotion, stating it was “yet another compelling reason to swiftly eliminate him and wipe this vile organisation off the face of the earth.”
Sinwar, who has led Hamas in Gaza since 2017, has been in hiding since the October attack, which Israel has labelled as his death warrant.
Hamas’ Stance
A senior Hamas official informed AFP that Yahya Sinwar’s selection signals the organisation’s ongoing commitment to resistance.
Also Read: The Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh: Why it is a Strategic Blow to Hamas
Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, congratulated Sinwar, asserting that his appointment proves the enemy’s failure to achieve its objectives by targeting Hamas leaders.
Analysis and Reactions
Analysts, including Rita Katz from the SITE Intelligence Group, believe that Sinwar is less likely to agree to a ceasefire compared to Haniyeh, according to AFP.
“If a ceasefire deal seemed unlikely upon Haniyeh’s death, it is even less likely under Sinwar,” Katz remarked, noting that the group would likely continue its hardline militant strategies.
International Calls for Ceasefire
Despite these developments, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the need for Sinwar to facilitate a ceasefire, highlighting his significant influence in decision-making.
Pope Francis also called for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts.
Hezbollah’s Pledge of Retaliation
Iran-backed Hezbollah vowed to avenge the deaths of Haniyeh and its military commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a televised address, indicated that Hezbollah and Tehran were “obliged to respond,” suggesting potential unified retaliation by Iran-backed groups in the region.
US Diplomatic Efforts
The United States has increased its military presence in the region and urged both Iran and Israel to avoid escalation. President Joe Biden engaged in diplomacy with regional leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah II, the Qatari emir, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, to mediate a ceasefire.
OIC Meeting
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) announced a meeting to discuss regional developments at the request of “Palestine and Iran.”
Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
The Gaza conflict, which began with Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, continues to draw in Iran-backed militants from neighbouring countries. The attack resulted in 1,198 deaths, primarily civilians, and the seizure of 251 hostages by Palestinian militants.
Israel’s retaliatory strikes have resulted in at least 39,677 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Airstrikes and Regional Impact
Israeli air force operations have targeted numerous locations throughout Gaza, intensifying the conflict. In southern Lebanon, Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops have engaged in frequent cross-border exchanges, leading to increased security measures and flight cancellations in the region.
As the conflict continues, international efforts to de-escalate the situation and achieve a ceasefire remain critical.
