Who is Yahya Sinwar?
Yahya Sinwar, the new chief of Hamas, has been a major concern for countries like the U.S. and Israel. Born in 1962 in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza, Sinwar has been linked with Hamas since its early days in 1987. His parents were originally from Ashkelon. Sinwar was sentenced to life in prison by Israel for killing two Israeli soldiers. He spent 23 years in Israeli prisons and was released in 2011 in a prisoner exchange deal. After his release, he joined Hamas’s political bureau in 2012.
Key Points About Sinwar:
- Before Hamas was formed, Sinwar helped organize Al-Majd, a group that exposed Palestinian informants.
- In 1988, he was detained by Israel and later sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel.
- Sinwar was released in 2011 as part of a deal to free Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
- He became a crucial member of Hamas and joined its political bureau in 2017.
Sinwar’s Rise and Actions:
Sinwar became increasingly active and influential within Hamas. In 2014, he played a significant role in the conflict with Israel. By 2015, the U.S. designated him as a terrorist. His role in Hamas was solidified when he joined the political bureau in 2017.
Current Situation:
Recently, Sinwar has been elusive, constantly changing his location to avoid capture. Both Israeli and American intelligence agencies are searching for him but have been unsuccessful so far. Some believe Sinwar may be preparing for a major operation or strengthening his organization while hiding.
Reputation and Impact:
Sinwar is known for his brutality. He has a reputation for severe punishment and has been compared to Osama bin Laden. Stories suggest he once had a person buried alive for suspected spying. His ruthless tactics and approach have earned him the nickname “the butcher of Khan Younis.”
Message Behind Sinwar’s Leadership:
With the death of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, choosing Sinwar as the new leader was intended to send a strong message to Israel and the U.S. Despite internal opposition, Sinwar was appointed to show that Hamas remains strong and defiant.
Why Is Sinwar a Major Threat to Israel?
Sinwar became a top enemy of Israel not only because of his role in Hamas but also due to his close ties with Iran. Iran supports Hamas financially and with training, which enhances Hamas’s capabilities against Israel. Many Israeli officials believe releasing Sinwar in a prisoner exchange was a strategic mistake.
Sinwar’s strong connections with Iran and his leadership in Hamas make him a significant adversary to Israel, fueling ongoing conflict and tension in the region.
