Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas’s political wing in Gaza and one of Israel’s most wanted men, has gone into hiding amid a massive manhunt by Israeli forces, involving thousands of troops, drones, electronic surveillance, and informants. Sinwar, known for his distinctive white hair and black eyebrows, is held accountable by Israel for the 7 October raid into southern Israel, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and over 200 kidnappings.
Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari has declared Sinwar a “dead man,” emphasizing the severity of the manhunt. Sinwar’s history is marked by deep involvement in Hamas activities, including the establishment of the group’s internal security organization, al-Majd, at age 25. He is notorious for his ruthlessness and has been involved in the punishment and killing of those suspected of collaborating with Israel.
Sinwar has spent over 22 years in Israeli prisons, where he further radicalized and became a prominent figure among the prisoners. Released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange, Sinwar returned to Gaza as a celebrated leader within Hamas. His time in prison enhanced his reputation for brutality and leadership.
Sinwar has maintained close ties with Iran, which supports Hamas militarily and financially. Despite this, Israel believes that killing Sinwar would be more of a symbolic victory than a strategic setback for Hamas, as such organizations tend to quickly replace their leaders.
As the situation continues to develop, the future of Gaza and its leadership remains a crucial question, particularly regarding its role as a potential launchpad for attacks on Israel and the consequential reprisals.
