Hamas officially announced the martyrdom of its political bureau chief, Yahya Sinwar (Abu Ibrahim), who was killed in confrontations with Israeli forces. Sinwar, a prominent figure in Palestinian resistance and a key military leader for Hamas was a frequent target of Israeli operations. His death during these clashes marks a significant blow to Hamas and the broader Palestinian resistance movement.

In the wake of Sinwar's death, several names have emerged as potential successors within Hamas. These leaders have played pivotal roles in building the military and political strength of the organization and are seen as critical figures for the upcoming phase. Here are some of the frontrunners:

Mohammed Deif

The commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Deif has survived multiple assassination attempts over the years. He is considered one of Israel's most wanted individuals, with intelligence agencies continuously tracking his movements. Deif is known for his strategic military acumen and has played a significant role in developing Hamas's military capabilities.

Marwan Issa

As the deputy commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Issa is a prominent figure within Hamas and a key decision-maker. Despite an announcement of his death in a 2023 airstrike, Hamas has not confirmed this, leaving his status uncertain. Known as the "Shadow Man," Issa has managed to evade Israeli surveillance and has been instrumental in military planning.

Mohammed Sinwar

The brother of Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed has been involved with the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades since its inception in the early 1990s. His military leadership and strategic planning during notable operations have made him a significant figure within Hamas.

Khalil al-Hayya

A senior leader and deputy to Yahya Sinwar, al-Hayya has been involved in sensitive negotiations with Israel regarding ceasefires. He has survived multiple assassination attempts and plays a critical role in Hamas's political and military strategies.

Khaled Mashaal

A founding member of Hamas and former head of its political bureau, Mashaal has long been a prominent figure in Palestinian politics. His leadership during key events has established him as a central figure in the movement.

Mahmoud al-Zahar

Known for his hardline stance, al-Zahar has faced numerous assassination attempts and arrests. His experience and leadership within the organization make him a key figure in Hamas's strategy and operations.

Mohammed Shabana

As a military leader in the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Shabana has been crucial in developing Hamas's tunnel networks, which have been essential for military operations against Israel.

Ruhy Mushtaha

A close ally of Yahya Sinwar, Mushtaha has been pivotal in establishing Hamas's security apparatus. He has coordinated various security efforts and has been involved in sensitive operations, though his current status remains unclear following recent reports of his potential death in an airstrike.

As Hamas navigates this leadership transition, these figures are expected to play vital roles in shaping the movement's future and continuing its resistance efforts against Israeli occupation.