Hamas Group Vows To Hide Identity Of New Leader To Prevent Further Assassination
The unnamed official noted that Hamas was alarmed by the manner of Sinwar’s death, as they had believed he was in a more secure location at the time of his assassination.
Following the assassination of Yahya Sinwar on October 7, 2024, Hamas has decided to keep the identity of its new leader confidential to avoid further targeted killings.
An official from within the group told the BBC that Hamas intends to elect its new head in March 2025, but until then, a five-member committee will govern the movement.
The committee will consist of Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshaal, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Darwish, head of the Shura Council, and a fifth individual whose identity remains undisclosed.
The unnamed official noted that Hamas was alarmed by the manner of Sinwar’s death, as they had believed he was in a more secure location at the time of his assassination.
He also defiantly added that the movement has the ability and personnel to ensure their safety, but refrained from providing any more specific details.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported that the Israeli Army confirmed the killing of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, in a recent attack on Gaza.
This was widely reported by Israeli media platforms making reference to senior military officials in the country.
It was gathered that the Israeli government had commenced investigating whether Sinwar was killed in a ground operation by the IDF which left three terrorists dead, with official confirmation expected in the coming hours.
In his recent post on X, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant wrote, “We will reach every terrorist – and eliminate him,” adding that soon after “our enemies cannot hide.”
Gallant attached a photograph with a red cross over a blank slot – seemingly referencing Sinwar – between Hamas commander Muhammad Daf and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, each of whom were assassinated this year and were also crossed out.
Senior Israeli officials said security sources consider there to be a ‘high probability’ that Sinwar was eliminated, Israeli news outlet N12 reports, though reports have still not been confirmed.
It comes as graphic images have circulated online purporting to show the body of the terrorist leader.
The grim pictures show what appears to be a corpse resembling Sinwar lying on a pile of rubble, with a catastrophic head wound and injuries all over his body.
Israel’s Defence Forces said in a statement: “During an activity by IDF fighters in the Gaza Strip, three terrorists were killed.
“The IDF and Shin Bet are investigating the possibility that one of the terrorists is Yahya Sinwar. At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed.”
The statement went on, “In the building where the terrorists were killed, no signs of the presence of abductees were found in the area.
“The IDF and Shin Bet forces operating in the area continue to operate under the necessary caution.”
Israel said its ground forces had identified a group of terrorists in a building in an unknown location in Gaza, fired at them, and then an exchange of fire began.
The force entered the building and saw that one of the terrorists resembled Sinwar, according to reports.
The man’s corpse is now reportedly being examined with DNA and dental tests to ascertain whether it does belong to the Hamas leader.
While there has not yet been any official confirmation, officials told Israeli media that Sinwar was eliminated, Reuters reports.
