Gaza — Yahya Sinwar, Hamas longtime commander in Gaza, has been killed by Israel in an operation in the war-torn Palestine.
The deceased was mastermind of October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths, while hundreds were picked up.
Yahya’s role was said to be critical in the ongoing war, as he remained behind bars for years, deeply understanding Israeli military tactics, which he utilized to shape Hamas’s operations. After death of Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar emerged as the top leader of the resistance group while operating from hiding in Gaza.
October 7 assault triggered strong response from Tel Aviv and so far 42,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians were killed, while hundreds of thousands were narrowed.
Yahya was in indirect talks with Israel, aiming to secure the release of thousands of Palestinians his own release more than a decade back when he was freed in exchange for Israeli soldier. He strenthned Hamas’s alliances with Iran and other regional allies, further exacerbating tensions and drawing in groups like Hezbollah, which heightened fears of a larger regional conflict.
He amassed huge respect for his defiance against Israeli authority and his commitment to remaining in Gaza, contrasting with other Hamas leaders who enjoyed more comfortable lives abroad.
The late Hamas leader was born in 1962 in Khan Younis refugee camp. Known for his smart strategies against suspected collaborators, Yahya became notorious for his iron-fisted approach to governance in Gaza.
He showed leadership qualities by organizing fellow inmates and advocating for improved conditions, even writing a novel that reflects on Palestinian society. After his demise, the future leadership of Hamas and the ongoing conflict remains uncertain.
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