Hamas appoints Sinwar as leader following Haniyeh’s death

Yahya Sinwar has been named the new chief of Hamas after the former leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, which has sparked fears of an escalating conflict. Israel is implicated by Iran, but has not confirmed involvement, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has threatened retaliation. Sinwar, formerly chosen as Hamas’ leader in Gaza in 2017 and noted for spending half his adult life in Israeli prisons, is now the most prominent surviving figure in the organization. The Israeli military accuses him of orchestrating an attack on October 7, 2023, causing almost 1200 deaths. Following the assault, around 39,700 people have died amid the continuing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The situation remains tense with unresolved hostage situations and ongoing military operations.