- By Kamal Kumar
- Sat, 19 Oct 2024 07:51 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Palestinian militant group Hamas will likely replace the slain chief Yahya Sinwar with a political leader based outside Gaza. At the same time, his brother Mohammad Sinwar is expected to take a bigger role in the war against Israel, a Reuters report stated on Saturday. Sinwar's deputy Khalil Al-Hayya, who is currently working as Hamas' chief negotiator is seen as a possible successor, the report added.
Yahya Sinwar, a key figure behind the October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict, was killed in a gunfight with Israeli forces on Wednesday. This marks the second time in less than three months that Hamas has lost a top leader. Earlier, in July, former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran, reportedly by Israeli operatives.
Who Will Succeed Sinwar
According to analysts and Hamas sources, Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator, is a key figure among the potential successors. Other contenders include Khaled Meshaal, the former leader, and Mohammad Darwish, a lesser-known figure who leads the Shura Council.
Hamas has a long-standing ability to quickly replace its fallen leaders, with the Shura Council, its top decision-making body, responsible for appointing a new head. This council represents Hamas members across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Israeli prisons, and the broader Palestinian community.
As a result, the newly chosen leader is expected to hold the authority to enter the ceasefire talks, even if not physically present in Gaza, where Hamas militants currently hold Israeli hostages.
Israeli Army Pounds Northern Gaza
Meanwhile, the Israeli army continues its ground operation in northern Gaza, with the Jabalia refugee area being its latest target. Reuters reported that the Israeli Defence Forces sent a new army unit to help with the ongoing operation in Jabalia.
The Israeli army is demolishing dozens of houses daily in Jabalia, according to locals. Communication, including the internet, has been cut off in the area. The army claims its two-week operation has killed dozens of Hamas fighters and destroyed their hideouts. On Friday, 30 people were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, with most casualties reported in Jabalia.