On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the announcement that Yahya Sinwar, the prominent leader of Hamas in Gaza, had been selected as the head of the movement’s political bureau, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, caught many by surprise.
The decision not only marked a significant shift within the movement but also raised numerous questions regarding Sinwar’s ability to fulfil the responsibilities associated with his new role.
Historically, the head of Hamas’s political bureau has served as the primary face of the movement’s international diplomacy. This role often involves extensive travel, high-level negotiations, and public appearances to represent Hamas on the global stage. For years, the political bureau has been likened to a ‘Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ within the organisation, charged with managing the movement’s external relations and strategic communications. However, Yahya Sinwar’s circumstances present an immediate and stark challenge to the traditional functions of this position.
Sinwar is not just any leader within Hamas; he is one of its most influential military commanders, known for his direct involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel.
His leadership in Gaza during the recent escalation, notably during the ‘Al Aqsa Flood’ operation, has cemented his status as a key figure in the resistance.
However, this prominence also makes him Israel’s most wanted man, severely restricting his ability to engage in the international diplomacy typically required of the political bureau’s head.
The movement’s decision to appoint Sinwar, despite these limitations, suggests a calculated and strategic move.
The unanimous vote within Hamas indicates that the leadership recognises the unique circumstances of the current phase in their struggle and believes that Sinwar’s leadership, even from within Gaza, is essential. The choice of Sinwar underscores the movement’s prioritisation of internal cohesion and military strategy over traditional diplomatic roles.
For decades, Hamas has relied on its political bureau leaders being based outside Gaza. This has allowed them the freedom to travel, negotiate, and represent the movement without the constant threat of assassination or capture.
Previous leaders have been based in locations such as Qatar, Türkiye, and Lebanon, where they could operate with relative freedom. Sinwar, however, is confined to Gaza, where the only exit point is the Rafah crossing — a route fraught with danger due to the heavy surveillance and control exercised by both Egypt and Israel.
Hamas’s decision to break with tradition and select a leader who cannot leave Gaza or appear publicly is highly symbolic. It sends a clear message that the movement is adapting to the realities on the ground.
The selection of Sinwar is a reflection of the movement’s current priorities: resistance and survival within Gaza. This move also highlights the internal strength and unity within Hamas, as the decision was met with consensus, signalling that the leadership is solidified in its direction and strategy.
The Israeli response to Sinwar’s appointment was swift and unequivocal. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority described the decision as a clear signal that Sinwar is alive and that the Hamas leadership in Gaza is intact and operational, despite Israel’s efforts to destabilise the movement.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz wasted no time in calling for Sinwar’s ‘quick liquidation,’ emphasising that his appointment only strengthens the resolve to eliminate him. Katz’s statement, made just moments after the announcement, was echoed by other Israeli officials, including political analyst Eli Nissan and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who reiterated that Sinwar remains a top target.
The Israeli leadership’s reaction underscores the deep-seated anxiety that Sinwar’s leadership provokes. Sinwar is not just a figurehead; he is a seasoned commander who has repeatedly outmanoeuvred Israeli forces. His involvement in the Al Aqsa Flood operation, which inflicted significant losses on Israel, has only added to his notoriety. The possibility that Sinwar, even under heavy constraints, could lead Hamas politically as well as militarily is a scenario that deeply concerns Israel.
Yet, despite the intense pressure and threats, Sinwar’s appointment signals that Hamas is far from weakened. On the contrary, the movement appears to be rallying around its leadership, preparing for a prolonged struggle.
This appointment serves as a message to both allies and adversaries that Hamas remains resilient and undeterred. The movement’s ability to maintain internal unity and coherence in the face of such external pressures is a testament to its organisational strength.
Sinwar’s effectiveness as a leader, even in the most challenging circumstances, has been noted not only by his supporters but also by his adversaries.
Israeli writer Ben Dror Yemini, for instance, has acknowledged Sinwar’s strategic acumen. Yemini likened Sinwar’s tactics to a ‘chess game’ in which he has skilfully repositioned the Palestinian issue on the global stage.
According to Yemini, Sinwar has managed to undermine Israel’s legitimacy, disrupt normalisation efforts with Arab countries, and weaken the historically strong relationship between the United States and Israel.
These achievements, however, do not diminish the risks that Sinwar faces. The Israeli leadership has made it clear that his new role will not shield him from their crosshairs. The threats to Sinwar’s life are real and persistent, yet Hamas’s decision to elevate him to this position reflects their belief in his leadership and their commitment to their cause.
While Sinwar’s appointment may have raised eyebrows, it is a powerful statement of Hamas’s current direction. The movement is signalling that it remains steadfast in its resistance, both militarily and politically. Sinwar’s long history within Hamas, where he has held various positions since his youth, has prepared him for this moment. His leadership at this critical juncture is seen as essential to the movement’s survival and continued resistance.
In conclusion, the appointment of Yahya Sinwar as the head of Hamas’s political bureau marks a significant shift in the movement’s strategy. It reflects a broader understanding within Hamas that the coming period will require both strong military leadership and a cohesive internal structure.
Sinwar’s leadership, though constrained geographically, is expected to guide the movement through these turbulent times, ensuring that the resistance continues and that Hamas remains a formidable force in the Palestinian struggle.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari
(The original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of Oman newspaper on August 12, 2024)
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