Mumbai, October 18: Yahya Sinwar was killed on Thursday, October 17, during a routine operation in the southern Gaza Strip. He is said to be the mastermind behind the Israel attacks. Yahya Sinwar, after spending two decades in Israeli prisons, returned to Gaza and rose to become its top leader. With Yahya Sinwar now deceased, let us know who are the leaders likely to succeed him?

Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 attack on Israel that left over 1,200 dead and led to 250 hostages being taken to Gaza, was one of Israel's most wanted figures, with a USD 400,000 bounty on his capture. Despite sustained Israeli airstrikes, he evaded detection for months, hiding in Gaza's underground tunnel network. His death has now sparked cautious optimism for a possible cease-fire and progress in hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Yahya Sinwar Seen Sitting on Sofa With Severe Injuries As Israel Shares Dramatic Drone Video of Hamas Leader’s Final Moments in Ruined Gaza Apartment (Viewer Discretion Advised).

Who Will Replace Yahya Sinwar?

Following Yahya Sinwar's death, attention now shifts to potential successors who might assume his leadership role. Several senior figures within Hamas are being considered strong contenders. The list includes Mahmoud al-Zahar, Mohammed Sinwar, Mousa Abu Marzouk, Mohammed Deif, Khalil al-Hayya, and Khaled Mashal. Yahya Sinwar Dead: Hamas Chief Killed in Fresh Strike on Gaza, Say Israeli Officials.

Mahmoud al-Zahar

The first potential successor of Yahya Sinwar is Mahmoud al-Zahar, a co-founder and senior member of Hamas. He is a seasoned political leader known for his hardline stance and deep-rooted influence within the movement. Mahmoud al-Zahar was instrumental in Hamas's rise to power after the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections and held the position of its first foreign minister. He has survived several assassination attempts by Israel in 1992 and 2003, solidifying his status as a key player in Hamas's political landscape. However, Reuters reports that he has not been seen or heard from publicly since October 7.

Mohammed Sinwar

His brother Mohammed Sinwar is another leader who can replace Yahya Sinwar as it would likely reflect a continuation of his brother Yahya's hardline stance in cease-fire negotiations. Reports indicate that he shares Yahya's uncompromising approach, raising concerns among U.S. officials that his leadership would complicate efforts for peace. Despite keeping a low profile, Mohammed has played a crucial role in the group's military operations and has survived several assassination attempts by Israel.

Mousa Abu Marzouk

Mousa Abu Marzouk, born in 1951 in Rafah, is a prominent Palestinian politician and senior member of Hamas, having co-founded the organization in 1987. He served as the first chairman of Hamas's Political Bureau and was a deputy chair under former leader Khaled Meshaal.  n the 1990s, he was accused by Israel of funding and organizing terrorist attacks, leading to his imprisonment in the U.S. for nearly two years before being deported to Jordan.

Mohammed Deif

Mohammed Deif, the top commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, was instrumental in planning the surprise assault on Israel that triggered the recent Israel–Hamas conflict. Sources affiliated with Hamas indicate that he initiated preparations for this operation following the Israeli forces' incursion into al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan in 2021. He is regarded as the architect behind the October 7 attack, which was a collaborative decision with Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's leader in Gaza. Although Deif is often rumoured to be either dead or gravely injured due to Israeli airstrikes, recent reports from August 2024 suggest he may still be alive. He is now being said to be the next potential succeeder of Sinwar.

Khalil al-Hayya

Khalil al-Hayya is a Palestinian politician who became the deputy chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau in August 2024, succeeding Saleh al-Arouri. He has represented Gaza City in the Palestinian Legislative Council since January 2006. Following the October 7 attack on Israel, he stated that it was essential to "change the entire equation" regarding the Palestinian issue. Al-Hayya is currently based in Qatar and has played a significant role in past cease-fire negotiations.

Khaled Mashal

Khaled Mashal is a prominent Palestinian politician who led the Hamas Political Bureau from 1996 until May 2017, when Ismail Haniyeh took over. On September 3, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice charged him with allegedly orchestrating the October 7 attack on Israel, alongside other senior Hamas officials. Despite facing pressure from the Quartet, Mashal declared in January 2006 that Hamas would not disarm but was open to forming a joint military with other Palestinian factions. While he remains a respected figure within Hamas, his past opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has created tensions with Iran, the group's main ally. Mashal survived an assassination attempt in the late 1990s and currently resides in Qatar, where he was recently interviewed by Reuters.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2024 12:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).