Former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Hamas confirms Yahya Sinwar's death in combat, says captives will not be released until war ends
Hamas has confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the group's leader in Gaza, mourning his loss.
This confirmation follows a previous announcement from the Israeli Occupation that Sinwar had been killed in combat with Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) in Gaza.
In a video statement by Qatar-based politburo member Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas praised Sinwar as a "brave leader" and vowed to continue his mission, highlighting the impact of his leadership on the resistance against Israeli Occupation. The group called on its supporters to remain united in the face of adversity and to honor Sinwar's legacy.
Al-Hayya emphasized that Yahya Sinwar continued his contributions to the resistance after his release from “Israeli” prison, playing a crucial role until the recent escalation, referred to as "the great flood."
Al-Hayya described Sinwar as a key figure in the ongoing struggle, saying, "Sinwar was a continuation of the great martyrdom convoy, following in the footsteps of the founder, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin."
He also highlighted the symbolic importance of the martyrs to the resistance, stating, "The blood of the martyrs will continue to light our path and serve as a driving force for resilience and steadfastness."
Al-Hayya reaffirmed Hamas' position on Palestinian sovereignty, declaring, "Hamas remains committed to establishing a Palestinian state on all of Palestinian land, with Jerusalem as its capital."
Regarding the impact of Sinwar’s martyrdom, Al-Hayya insisted, "The martyrdom of our leader Sinwar and those before him will only strengthen and fortify our movement." He also issued a stern message to Israel concerning its ongoing offensive, asserting that Israeli prisoners held by Hamas would not be released unless "the aggression on Gaza stops, a full withdrawal occurs, and our prisoners are released."
Below is the official statement by Hamas on Yahya Sinwar’s death:
“Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with God; some of them have fulfilled their vow [by death], and others are still waiting, but they have never changed [their determination] in the least.
“With the utmost pride, honor, and dignity, the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, mourns to our Palestinian people, to our entire nation, and to the free people of the world, one of the noblest and bravest men.
“A man who dedicated his life to Palestine and gave his soul for the sake of God on the path to its liberation. He was true to God, and God fulfilled His promise to him, choosing him as a martyr alongside his brothers who preceded him.
“We mourn the great national leader, our brother, the martyred commander Yahya Sinwar (Abu Ibrahim), head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and leader of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation.
“He rose as a hero and martyr, advancing courageously, weapon in hand, engaging the occupying army from the front lines. He moved between combat zones, steadfast and resolute on the land of proud Gaza, defending the land of Palestine and its holy sites, inspiring perseverance, patience, and unwavering resistance.”
Who is Yahya Sinwar?
Born on October 19, 1962, in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza, Sinwar's family fled from Majdal, a city that was occupied by 'Israel' in 1948. He received his education at Khan Younis Secondary School for Boys and later graduated with a bachelor's degree in Arabic studies from the Islamic University of Gaza.
Sinwar became politically active during his university years as a member of the Islamic Bloc, which is the student wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine. He held various leadership roles within the student council at the Islamic University and co-founded a security organization known as "Mujahid," tasked with identifying and pursuing 'Israeli' collaborators.
Imprisonment and Release
Sinwar was first arrested in 1982 due to his student activities. Over the years, he was detained multiple times, receiving a total of four life sentences plus 426 years for his involvement in kidnapping and killing 'Israeli' soldiers, as well as for the murder of four Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israeli Occupation. During his imprisonment, he led the leadership body of Hamas prisoners and organized several hunger strikes against prison authorities.
In 2011, Sinwar was released as part of the prisoner exchange for 'Israeli' soldier Gilad Shalit, after more than five years in captivity. Following his release, he quickly became a significant figure within Hamas, taking on roles that included leadership of the military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades.
Leadership in Hamas
Elected president of Hamas in Gaza in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, Sinwar played a pivotal role in coordinating military and political strategies within the movement. He was involved in significant military operations, including the 2014 Gaza War, where he evaluated the performance of field commanders and implemented necessary leadership changes.
Sinwar was appointed head of negotiations concerning 'Israeli' prisoners held by Hamas and became a prominent target for 'Israeli' assassination efforts due to his influential role in the organization. The recent escalation in hostilities has only heightened his prominence in the ongoing aggression.
As a leader, Sinwar has been characterized by his firm stance against the Israeli Occupation and has continued to rally support for Hamas amidst ongoing challenges, marking him as a key figure in the current geopolitical landscape.
