Two Hamas officials have told the BBC that discussions will soon begin to select a successor to the group’s leader Yahya sinwar, whose death was confirmed on Thursday.
Officials said that Khalil Al-Hayya is a strong candidate. He is Sinwar’s deputy, and the most senior official of the group outside Gaza.
Al-Hayya is based in Qatar and currently leads the Hamas delegation in ceasefire negotiations between the group and Israel. He has a profound knowledge, connection, and understanding of the Gaza situation.
Hamas leaders are to meet again in order to choose a successor for Sinwar. He was Israel’s Most Wanted Man, and his death just two months ago in Tehran, when former leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed, has prompted a new round of Hamas leadership.
A senior Hamas official described Sinwar as being the architect of the 7th October attacks. He also said that his appointment was meant to send a bold message defiance towards Israel.
Since July, ceasefire talks have stagnated. Many believe that Sinwar’s leadership was an obstacle to any ceasefire agreement.
A senior Hamas official told the BBC that despite the death of Sinwar, the movement’s demands for a ceasefire or the release of Israeli prisoners have not changed.
Hamas continues its demand for a complete Israeli pullout from Gaza, an ending of hostilities, a transfer of humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of war-torn territories – conditions Israel categorically rejects, insisting on Hamas’ surrender.
Officials from the movement said that it was impossible for them to surrender.
“We will not surrender until we have freed our people.” “We will fight until we are the last bullet, and the last soldier just like Sinwar.”
The assassination was one of the biggest losses the organization has suffered in recent decades. Hamas has suffered leadership losses in the past, even though it is difficult to replace him.
Although Israel has killed most of Hamas’s leaders and founders the movement has shown its resilience in finding new ones.
In the midst of this crisis, there are still questions about the fate of Israelis held hostage in Gaza and who is responsible for their safety.
Mohammed Sinwar, Yahya Sinwar’s brother, has emerged in this context as a pivotal character. He is believed to lead the remaining armed Hamas groups and could play a key role in shaping the movement’s future in Gaza.
The war in Gaza continues as Hamas navigates through this critical moment.
Israeli troops intensified their attacks on what Israel claims are Hamas regrouping attempts in the Jabalia refugee camps in north Gaza, killing dozens of people.
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