Israel successfully eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday, marking the culmination of a year-long effort to target one of the key figures behind the October 7, 2023, attacks.
While Sinwar’s death deals a significant blow to Hamas, it does not signal the end of the organization. Hamas has vowed to continue its fight, emphasizing that the loss of its leaders, including Sinwar, will not halt its movement.
In a statement on Friday, Hamas’ political office confirmed Sinwar’s death, asserting: “Hamas has grown stronger and more popular after every loss, and these leaders have become icons for future generations in the pursuit of a free Palestine.”
As speculation arises about Sinwar’s successor, here’s what we know about the potential future leadership of Hamas:
It remains unclear if Sinwar left specific instructions regarding his replacement, but his younger brother, Mohammed Sinwar, is widely seen as the likely successor. Like his brother, Mohammed is a hardline militant who recently took on the role of Hamas’ military commander.
Mohammed Sinwar’s current whereabouts are unknown. Israeli media reported Friday that an IDF spokesperson confirmed they are “actively searching” for him. Previously, a senior Israeli official told CNN that the Sinwar brothers spent much of the last year together, including as recently as August.
Other possible contenders include Mousa Abu Marzouk, deputy chief of Hamas’ political bureau and a co-founder of the group. Marzouk previously lived in the U.S. for five years before being designated a terrorist and deported.
Khaled Meshaal, the former political leader of Hamas, is also viewed as a strong candidate. Meshaal has established international recognition, having met prominent figures such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, his past support for a Sunni uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad may complicate his position, given Hamas’ support from Shia-majority Iran.
Another contender is Sinwar’s deputy, Khalil Al-Hayya, who has served as Hamas’ chief negotiator during ceasefire talks in Cairo and is currently based in Qatar.
