Who Will Lead Hamas After Sinwar? Israel Eyes Next Targets
The leadership of Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been left in doubt after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that de facto leader Mohammad Sinwar had been eliminated in a targeted airstrike — even though the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not officially confirmed killing him and Hamas has issued no statement.
This comes after the assassination of Mohammed Sinwar's brother, Yahya Sinwar, by Israeli forces last year. Both were architects of Hamas's military campaign.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli foreign ministry and Hamas for comment.
The elimination of Mohammad Sinwar would mark a significant blow to Hamas's leadership structure in Gaza. With both Sinwar brothers gone, the group faces a potential power vacuum. Israel's targeted killings aim to dismantle Hamas's command hierarchy, potentially weakening the group's operational capabilities and altering the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
Hamas has suffered significant losses among its top leaders in recent months. Political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on July 31, 2024. Military commander Mohammad Deif was also reportedly targeted around the same time.
The Sinwar brothers were central to the group's military planning, including of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which brought a devastating response on the Gaza Strip.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad, also known as Abu Suhaib, is believed to have taken on a key leadership role within Gaza, leading Hamas's military operations on the ground. Khaled Mashal, acting chairman of Hamas's political bureau, is a leading figure within the temporary five-member leadership committee, but he is not in the Gaza Strip. Known for his diplomatic efforts, Mashal maintains strong ties with Turkey and Qatar. Khalil al-Hayya, also based in Qatar, serves alongside Mashal on the committee and is involved in ceasefire negotiations. Zaher Jabarin, based in mainly in Turkey, plays a crucial role in overseeing Hamas's financial network, and Muhammad Ismail Darwish, chairman of the Hamas Shura Council and also in Qatar, is another influential member, particularly responsible for managing foreign relations.
Israel is expected to persist with its strategy of targeting Hamas's leadership. Key figures such as Haddad and Mashal are likely considered high-priority targets given their influential roles within the organization. The Israeli military has announced plans to seize control of approximately 75 percent of the Gaza Strip within two months, concentrating Palestinian civilians into the remaining 25 percent of the territory. This approach aims to dismantle Hamas's grip on Gaza, increase pressure on the group to release hostages, and force a surrender of power.
Meanwhile, the intensifying military operations have exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies putting immense strain on Gaza's civilian population.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We eliminated Mohammad Deif, [Ismail] Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar."
Hamas official Basem Naim: Following the death of Yahya Sinwar, "Hamas becomes stronger and more popular with each elimination of its leaders."
Hamas has yet to confirm Mohammad Sinwar's death, and its response could reshape the conflict in Gaza. Confirmation may prompt retaliatory attacks or leadership changes. Israeli forces are likely to continue targeting Hamas leaders while the humanitarian crisis worsens.
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