The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, announced the martyrdom of its political bureau chief, Yahya Sinwar, during a conflict with Israeli forces in Rafah, southern Gaza. The news was confirmed by Hamas leader in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, who emphasized the commitment to continue Sinwar’s path against the occupation until liberation is achieved.

In a statement, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, confirmed Sinwar's death and vowed to persist in the "jihad" until "the liberation of Palestine." The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine also mourned Sinwar, recognizing him as a national leader and a key architect of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, a significant event in the Palestinian struggle.

Who Was Yahya Sinwar?

Yahya Ibrahim Hassan Sinwar, 62, was born on October 19, 1962, in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza. His upbringing in difficult living conditions, marked by the hardships faced by camp residents due to occupation, shaped his early experiences.

Sinwar completed his secondary education in Khan Younis before attending the Islamic University of Gaza, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Arabic language. While at university, he led the Islamic Bloc, the student wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine, a period that prepared him for future leadership roles in Hamas.

Political Activism

Sinwar’s political involvement began in the early 1980s, establishing himself as a prominent figure in various forms of resistance against the occupation. In 1985, he founded a security apparatus known as "Mujadid," focused on securing Hamas's operations and combating collaborators with the occupation. This organization became the foundation for Hamas's internal security system.

During his time in prison, Sinwar led the High Leadership Committee of Hamas prisoners and participated in several hunger strikes, advocating for prisoner rights.

Imprisonment and Release

Sinwar spent over 20 years in Israeli prisons, with nearly four years in solitary confinement. He was first arrested in 1982 and, after multiple detentions, was sentenced to life imprisonment on several charges in 1988.

He was released on October 11, 2011, as part of the prisoner exchange deal known as the "Shalit Deal," where Hamas freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Leadership Role

Upon his release, Sinwar became a member of Hamas's political bureau in 2012 and took charge of the military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. He played a crucial role during the 2014 Gaza war, coordinating the political and military aspects of the organization.

In February 2017, he was elected as the head of Hamas's political bureau in Gaza, where he worked to improve relations with Egypt and sought reconciliation with the Palestinian Authority led by Fatah.

Sinwar was considered the mastermind behind the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation launched on October 7, 2023, which inflicted significant losses on Israel and shattered the image of its security forces.

Attempts on His Life

Sinwar’s leadership made him a target for Israeli operations. His home was bombed several times, and he faced numerous assassination attempts throughout his life. Despite these challenges, he was known for his cautious nature and rarely appeared publicly.

Legacy

Sinwar's death has ignited widespread reactions on social media, both in the Arab world and globally. Many expressed that history will remember him as a hero of resistance, an icon of the struggle against the occupation. His martyrdom is seen as a continuation of his legacy, inspiring future generations in the fight for liberation.