Israel targets Yahya Sinwar, the new leader of Hamas, vowing his elimination. Read about the potential impacts and reactions.

Yahya Sinwar has been appointed as the new political leader of Hamas, following the assassination of his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.

Israel regards Sinwar as the brain behind the assault on October 7 that resulted in more than a thousand Israeli fatalities and over 200 abductions.

Defying Israeli attempts to kill him, the hardliner who is 61 years old has been hiding in Gaza since then.

Amid increasing tension in the region, with Israel preparing for a potential attack from Iran after Haniyeh’s killing, news of his appointment has been announced.

Although it hasn’t given a definitive answer about its participation in his demise, the group has vowed to assassinate him and other key figures of Hamas.

Israel verified that Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ military division, was killed in an airstrike conducted in Gaza last July. However, no confirmation from Hamas has been received regarding his death.

Sinwar, who was incarcerated in Israeli prisons for half of his adult life, now becomes the most dominant Hamas leader following Haniyeh’s demise.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson of Israeli army, referred to Sinwar as an “arch terrorist” and affirmed that Israel would persist in pursuing him.

He stated that Yahya Sinwar should be alongside Mohammed Deif, Ghandour and Ayman Nofal (Hamas commanders who were reported dead by Israel), as well as all the terrorists responsible for the events of 7 October.

Hamas’ selection of Sinwar as their new political leader is a clear statement of rebellion against the Israeli government.

Furthermore, it indicates that the leadership operating within Gaza has assumed control from the exiled leaders who have typically managed foreign alliances and diplomatic affairs.

Almost 40,000 Palestinians have tragically lost their lives and the majority of Gaza’s inhabitants were forced to flee from their residences. Moreover, extensive areas in the strip lie in ruins.