Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Leader Behind 2023 Attack, Killed in Gaza \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza. Sinwar’s leadership and military tactics left a lasting impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His death marks a significant moment as the ongoing war continues to devastate the region, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians and raising fears of further escalation.
Yahya Sinwar’s Role in Gaza War: Quick Looks
- Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ top leader, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza following a front-line confrontation.
- Mastermind of the October 7, 2023 Attack: Sinwar played a pivotal role in orchestrating the surprise attack on Israel, catching the country off-guard and leading to the deadliest phase of the conflict in recent memory.
- Replacement after Haniyeh’s Death: Sinwar took over leadership after Hamas’ leader-in-exile, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Iran in an explosion, which was blamed on Israel.
- Strategic Alliance with Iran: Under Sinwar, Hamas strengthened ties with Iran and Hezbollah, aligning itself more closely with this axis to further its military capabilities.
- Retaliation and Humanitarian Crisis: Israel’s retaliation to the attack has been devastating, with over 42,000 Palestinians reported dead and Gaza facing widespread destruction.
- Ruthless Control: Sinwar was feared for his iron grip over Gaza, using brutal tactics against suspected collaborators and suppressing dissent.
- Sinwar’s Background and Ascent: Born in a refugee camp, Sinwar rose through Hamas ranks after being imprisoned by Israel, where he learned Hebrew and gained critical negotiation skills.
- Prisoner Release Goals: One of Sinwar’s objectives in the conflict was securing the release of Palestinian prisoners, much like the deal that led to his release in 2011.
Deep Look
Yahya Sinwar, one of Hamas’ most powerful and feared leaders, was killed in Gaza by Israeli forces during a front-line confrontation. Sinwar, 61, was the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the deadliest and longest war between Israel and Palestine. His death marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left Gaza in ruins.
Born in Gaza’s Khan Younis refugee camp in 1962, Sinwar grew up during a tumultuous period, with his family having been displaced in the 1948 war following Israel’s creation. His militant career began early as he joined Hamas when it was founded in 1987, emerging from the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Sinwar quickly rose through the ranks, convincing Hamas’ spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin to form a security branch known as Majd, tasked with eliminating collaborators suspected of working with Israel. His ruthless approach earned him the nickname “Butcher of Khan Younis”, cementing his reputation as a merciless leader.
Sinwar’s violent tactics led to his imprisonment by Israel in the late 1980s, where he admitted under interrogation to killing multiple suspected collaborators. Sentenced to life in prison, he served more than two decades, during which he learned Hebrew and became a prominent figure among Hamas prisoners, organizing strikes and feeding his fellow inmates. He authored a novel while in detention, reflecting his thoughts on Palestinian society and resistance.
Released in 2011 as part of a controversial prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas for the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, Sinwar quickly resumed his role in the militant group. His leadership style was marked by his ability to negotiate indirectly with Israel while simultaneously expanding Hamas’ military capabilities. Under his command, Hamas strengthened its alliance with Iran, Hezbollah, and other regional actors, particularly after distancing from Syria following its civil war in 2011.
Sinwar’s death comes after Israel killed another key Hamas figure, Mohammed Deif, in a July airstrike. Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, worked closely with Sinwar to plan the devastating October 7 attack, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead, the majority of them civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 250 people. This surprise attack shattered Israel’s sense of invincibility and triggered a massive Israeli military retaliation.
As the war escalated, Sinwar remained a dominant figure, even as Hamas’ leader-in-exile Ismail Haniyeh was killed while visiting Iran. Sinwar was then elevated to the top position within Hamas while in hiding. Despite his secretive nature and reclusive demeanor, Sinwar was a symbol of defiance to many Palestinians, who admired his resistance to Israeli occupation. Yet, his iron-fisted control over Gaza and his intolerance for dissent made him a feared figure even among his own people.
Israel’s retaliation to the October 2023 attack was swift and devastating, with relentless airstrikes and ground operations that have left over 42,000 Palestinians dead, according to local health officials. The ongoing conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands in Gaza and created a humanitarian crisis. In this context, Sinwar’s indirect negotiations with Israel sought to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners, reminiscent of the deal that freed him over a decade ago.
Sinwar’s leadership style was starkly different from other Hamas figures, who often cultivated public personas or sought international attention. Sinwar preferred to operate behind the scenes, focused on military strategy and consolidating power. Despite this, he was always unapologetic about his methods. In one of his few public speeches, he openly invited Israel to target him for assassination, declaring that he would walk home afterward—a testament to his audacious leadership.
His death leaves a significant power vacuum in Hamas, which has already suffered heavy losses in the leadership ranks during the war. It also raises questions about the future trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the war continues to spiral into a broader regional confrontation. Hezbollah has become directly involved, and the conflict has seen the first instances of direct engagement between Israel and Iran, further complicating an already volatile situation.
The legacy of Yahya Sinwar will be remembered as one of brutal determination, cunning leadership, and an unyielding commitment to violent resistance against Israel. While his death may alter the course of the current conflict, his influence on Hamas and the broader struggle for Palestinian statehood will likely continue to resonate for years to come.
