Newborn named Yahya Sinwar stirs backlash in German maternity ward

A maternity hospital in eastern Germany has issued an apology after publishing a list of newborns that included the name Yahya Sinwar, the same name as the late Hamas leader, prompting confusion online.

University Hospital Leipzig, which shares daily updates on the first names of newborns on its obstetrics social media channel, included the name Yahya Sinwar in Monday’s post. The name quickly sparked mixed reactions from some users due to its political associations.

Screencap of University Hospital Leipzig's story displaying the name Yahya Sinwar on a chalkboard

In an Instagram story addressing the controversy, the hospital’s social media team stated, “Today, like every day, we published the first names of newborns on our obstetrics channel."

"A name was mentioned that currently has a political context and has caused irritation or incomprehension among some users," the statement continued." We would like to clarify: The first names are published exclusively at the request or with the consent of the parents, without evaluation or selection by us."

The hospital added, "None of the names will be editorially commented on or politically classified. We understand that today's post has evoked negative associations in some people. We would like to expressly apologize if anyone felt hurt or provoked by the post."

Screencap of University Hospital Leipzig's story addressing the controversy

The hospital emphasized that it does not vet or filter the names and shares them only with parental consent.

Yahya Sinwar, a senior leader of Hamas in Gaza, was killed in an 'Israeli' military operation in October 2024, nearly a year after the outbreak of the war on Gaza. His name remains highly politically charged.

While some social media users criticized the hospital for publishing the name, others defended the family's right to choose any name without interference.