‘Spirit of resistance’: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar (Video)
Yahya Sinwar, a prominent and charismatic leader of the Gaza-based Hamas resistance movement, was killed in an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza, on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Sinwar, known for his fearlessness and military acumen, was found wearing a combat vest with an AK-47 rifle by his side, embodying his lifetime commitment to the Palestinian cause. His death, confirmed by Hamas, marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces.
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Sinwar had long been a primary target on Israel’s “kill list” due to his role as one of the masterminds behind various resistance operations, including the recent Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
For years, he had eluded numerous assassination attempts, but he remained undeterred, continuing to lead operations in Gaza and provide strategic leadership from the battlefield.
In a statement on Friday, Khalil Hayya, the head of Hamas in Gaza, commemorated Sinwar, describing him as a “steadfast, brave, and intrepid fighter” who sacrificed his life for Palestinian liberation.
Hayya praised Sinwar’s resilience and dedication, noting that he fought until his last breath. Sinwar, according to Hayya, embraced martyrdom, having often expressed his desire to die for the Palestinian cause.
A Lifelong Commitment to Resistance
Born on October 19, 1962, in a refugee camp near Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, Yahya Sinwar’s life was defined by resistance against Israeli occupation.
His family had been displaced during the 1948 Nakba, which saw the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes during the establishment of Israel.
From a young age, Sinwar became involved in the Palestinian resistance, ultimately rising through the ranks of Hamas.
During his university years at the Islamic University of Gaza, Sinwar became active in the Islamic Student Bloc, a precursor to Hamas, alongside contemporaries like Ismail Haniyeh and Khalil al-Hayya.
He quickly gained a reputation for his leadership skills, strategic thinking, and commitment to the cause of resistance, making him a key figure in the formation of Hamas’ military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.
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In 1988, Sinwar was arrested by Israeli forces and sentenced to four life terms for his involvement in resistance activities. He spent 23 years in Israeli prisons, where he emerged as a leader among Hamas prisoners, orchestrating hunger strikes and managing internal organization.
His time in prison deepened his resolve, and he used the opportunity to study Hebrew and Israeli political dynamics, which would later inform his strategies.
Leadership and Survival
In 2011, Sinwar was released in a prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel. Following his release, he quickly rose to prominence within Hamas, taking on various roles in the political and military leadership of the group.
In 2017, he was elected head of the Hamas political bureau in Gaza and re-elected for a second term in 2021. Sinwar survived multiple assassination attempts over the years, but his resolve only strengthened, as he continued to lead Hamas both politically and militarily.
His leadership was crucial in directing Hamas’ military operations against Israeli forces, particularly during the various escalations of violence in Gaza. Sinwar was known for his strategic mind and for being deeply involved in the planning and execution of resistance operations, earning him widespread respect among Palestinians.
In August 2024, Sinwar was elected as the head of Hamas’ political bureau, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who had been assassinated earlier that year. Sinwar’s election was seen as a reflection of Hamas’ understanding of the current stage of the conflict, as they chose a leader with extensive battlefield experience and a deep commitment to armed resistance.
Life Dedicated to Resistance
Throughout his life, Sinwar was driven by a strong belief in the philosophy of resistance. His writings, speeches, and public statements often reflected his commitment to the liberation of Palestine and the defeat of Israeli occupation. He was a prolific writer, publishing works that examined resistance, leadership, and the struggle for liberation.
Sinwar’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from supporters of the Palestinian cause. Social media has been flooded with messages commemorating his life and legacy, with many noting that his death would not stop the resistance but would instead inspire future generations to continue the fight.
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His legacy as a fearless leader, a strategist, and a symbol of resistance remains intact, and his martyrdom is seen by many as a stepping stone for the continuation of the Palestinian struggle. As one Palestinian supporter noted, “If they kill Sinwar today, a hundred Sinwars will emerge to take his place.”
Despite his death, Sinwar’s vision and strategy for Palestinian resistance will likely continue to shape Hamas’ operations in the coming years, making him a martyr in the eyes of many Palestinians who view their struggle as a fight for justice and liberation.
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