Palestinian resistance

Reports have emerged indicating the likely death of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas political bureau leader and mastermind behind the attacks of 7 October, during an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. Sinwar’s demise, if confirmed, represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Sinwar was reportedly killed in the Rafah area of Gaza during a clash with Israeli forces. Initial reports cautiously referred to the death of high-ranking terrorists but did not immediately identify Sinwar among the casualties. However, the situation escalated when images of a body bearing a striking resemblance to Sinwar began circulating. Distinctive physical traits, such as dental marks, a specific mole, and prominent ears, led many to believe the body belonged to the Hamas leader.

These images gained traction, particularly on social media platforms like Telegram, where comparisons between the body and previous photos of Sinwar were made. Further reports indicate that the body was transported to Israel, where it underwent DNA testing. Given that Sinwar had previously been imprisoned in Israel and treated there for brain cancer, a DNA sample was available for comparison. Preliminary results suggest a strong likelihood that the body is indeed that of Sinwar.

The Life and Influence of Yahya Sinwar

Born in 1962 in the city of Majdal, now Ashkelon in Israel, Sinwar grew up in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza. He played a pivotal role in Hamas’ rise to power, establishing a reputation for brutal internal purges.

In 1987, he founded Hamas’ internal security unit, responsible for identifying and eliminating Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel. Sinwar personally carried out several of these executions, including strangling victims and burying them in cemeteries.

Arrested by Israeli forces in 1988, Sinwar was convicted of 12 murders, all of which were Palestinian collaborators. He was sentenced to five life terms in prison.

While imprisoned, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, which Israeli medical professionals successfully treated. Over time, Sinwar became fluent in Hebrew and maintained connections within the prison system.

He was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange deal for the return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Sinwar was opposed to the deal, arguing that Hamas should have demanded a higher price for Shalit’s release.

Upon his release, Sinwar quickly ascended to a leadership role within Hamas. His influence grew, and he became the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza, overseeing military operations and reorganising the group’s structure.

Sinwar was a key figure in planning the attacks that took place on 7 October, in which hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers were killed. His leadership and vision for Hamas’ military strategy, particularly the development of an elite brigade tasked with infiltrating Israeli territory, were central to the group’s tactics.

Sinwar’s Role in the Conflict

Sinwar was not just a military strategist but also a political symbol for Hamas and the Palestinian cause. His charisma and hardline stance made him one of the most respected and feared figures within the organisation.

According to former Israeli intelligence officials, Sinwar was known for his hatred of Israel and his unwavering dedication to jihad, making him a formidable opponent.

He had been in hiding since the 7 October attacks, reportedly moving through a network of underground tunnels in Gaza. Sinwar’s avoidance of communication technologies such as mobile phones or radios was a testament to his awareness of Israeli intelligence capabilities. Instead, he relied on a sophisticated system of couriers and written messages to convey orders and updates. This made tracking him particularly challenging for Israeli forces.

However, Israeli intelligence and military efforts appear to have paid off. Reports suggest that Sinwar was killed in an encounter with Israeli soldiers, potentially during an attempt to escape Gaza.

He was reportedly found with large sums of cash and forged identification papers, suggesting he was preparing to flee the territory. Notably, no hostages were found with him, a crucial detail given that Sinwar was seen as a major obstacle to any deal for the release of Israeli hostages.

Implications of Sinwar’s Death

Sinwar’s death, if confirmed, could have significant implications for both Hamas and the broader conflict. As the architect of Hamas’ military operations and a symbol of Palestinian resistance, his loss would be a blow to the organisation’s leadership and morale.

Sinwar’s brother, Mohammed Sinwar, also a high-ranking figure within Hamas, is not seen to wield the same level of influence, leaving a potential power vacuum within the group.

In terms of negotiations over hostages, Sinwar’s death may open the door to new possibilities. He had been adamantly opposed to any deals involving the release of hostages without exorbitant demands, including the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a vast number of Palestinian prisoners.

With his removal, some analysts suggest that Hamas’ remaining field commanders may be more willing to negotiate under less extreme terms, potentially facilitating the release of hostages.