Yahya Sinwar

Yahya Sinwar is the leader of Hamas in Gaza, a position he has held since 2017. 

Since the assassination of Ismail Haniyah in Tehran, Sinwar has become the overall leader of Hamas. His current whereabouts are unknown, but are believed to be in the tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip.

Veteran Arab affairs commentator Ehud Yaari reveals he had indirect contact with Yahya Sinwar

“Sinwar saw himself as a rabbi-like figure," according to Yaari. "Someone deeply knowledgeable about Israeli affairs."

 Former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar looks on at an anti-Israel rally, in Gaza City, in 2022.
 A pro-Palestinian protester holds up a portrait of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar outside of a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in New York City, U.S., August 14, 2024.

Gazan sources claim Yahya Sinwar's wife escaped to Turkey, remarried after husband's death - report

 Former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar looks on at an anti-Israel rally, in Gaza City, in 2022.

Hamas leaders' October 7 letter reveals attack strategy and plea to Hezbollah

 IDF soldiers work to seal a Hamas terror tunnel under Khan Yunis's European Hospital, June 2025.

WATCH: IDF destroys Hamas terror tunnel where Mohammed Sinwar's body was found


A fire that would burn Israel down: How Sinwar ruined Iran's dominance in Middle East - analysis

Through its proxies, Iran once dominated the Middle East. After October 7 and the current war with Iran, the Islamic Republic's position in the Middle East might shift.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks with defense industry experts in Tehran, Iran, February 12, 2025

Hamas won't collapse, even with the death of both Sinwars - analysis

The Sinwars helped build Hamas into the genocidal powerhouse it was on October 7. However, their deaths have appeared to come and go without much of a change in the organization’s behavior.

 The Sinwars appear before a background of Hamas terrorists (illustrative)

Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar officially killed in Khan Yunis strike, IDF confirms

In addition to Sinwar, the airstrike killed the commanders of Hamas's Rafah Brigade and South Khan Yunis Brigade.

 A profile of former Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar who was killed in an IDF strike in Gaza.

Hamas in weakest position yet, but still holds strategic leverage with tunnels

Hamas's political leadership has suffered blows, but its underground tunnel network remains a significant threat.

 Hamas terrorists against backdrop of Gaza tunnels. (illustration)

IDF discovered Mohammed Sinwar's secret meeting after Edan Alexander's release

Sinwar is believed to have been a hardline figure in Hamas who refused any compromise in negotiations with Israel that didn't include an end to the war.

Mohammed Sinwar against backdrop of strike on the European Hospital which allegedly killed him, May 13, 2025 (illustration).

If Mohammed Sinwar is gone, why not replace Hamas in Gaza? - analysis

Never in the past 40 years has Hamas had so many leaders and commanders killed - if the goal is to replace Hamas, now would be the time.

 Palestinian Hamas militants stand guard on the day of the handover of hostages in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 22, 2025.

Hamas invasion intended to thwart Israeli peace with Saudi Arabia, docs reveal - WSJ

Yahya Sinwar was quoted in secret Hamas meeting notes that ISraeli-Saudi normalization would "open the door for the majority of Arab and Islamic countries to follow the same path.”

 (L-R) Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Ali Khamenei over a backdrop of a secret document between Iran and Hamas.

WATCH: Katz threatens to assassinate Houthi leaders while hinting at Mohammed Sinwar's death

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that these strikes are just the beginning.

Defense Minister Israel Katz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir watch as Israel Air Force jets attack terrorist targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in Yemen, May 16, 2025.

Hamas Rafah brigade commander probably killed in IDF strike on Sinwar

Mohammad Shabanah was potentially next in line to lead Hamas; New next in line: Gaza Brigade Chief al-Hadad.

 Hamas flag painted on a cracked wall.

Hello and no goodbye: Released IDF observers mock Hamas commander after reported strike

Released IDF observers shared a sardonic farewell to Hamas commander Mohammed Sinwar after reports of an Israeli strike. “Only those who survived captivity will understand this song,” they wrote.

 The observers – Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev – say goodbye to Muhammad Sinwar via Instagram.

Possible killing of Mohammed Sinwar may boost hostage deal efforts, source tells 'Post'

The assassination attempt occurred as the Israeli delegation for hostage and ceasefire talks arrived in Qatar on Tuesday evening.

 A video released by the IDF allegedly shows Mohammed Sinwar travelling in a car through a tunnel near the Erez crossing, close to the Israel-Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.