Hezbollah to Ikhwanul Muslimin Welcome Yahya Sinwar's Election as Hamas Leader

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. (Source: IRNA)

JAKARTA - Regional militant groups in the Middle East have welcomed the election of Yahya Sinwar as the head of the Hamas Political Bureau, replacing Ismail Haniyeh who was killed last week.

"The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas announces the election of Commander Yahya Sinwar as the head of the movement's political bureau, replacing Commander Ismail Haniyeh who has passed away, may God have mercy on him," the movement said in a brief statement, as reported by Reuters on August 7.

In response, a number of regional militant groups welcomed Hamas' choice.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it saw the development as a strong and decisive message to the Zionist enemy, the United States and other Zionist allies, emphasizing that Hamas is fully integrated and united in its decision-making, steadfast in its principles and adhering to its main choices, as reported by IRNA.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine said the choice showed that Hamas was still strong and cohesive, that the enemy was unable to damage the movement's framework and structure despite the genocide in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) issued a statement in response to the election of the new head of the Hamas Political Bureau, stressing that they wish Sinwar success.

Separately, the Muslim Brotherhood congratulated Yahya Sinwar on his election, stressing that the group shook his hand and reaffirmed its firm position in supporting the right of the Palestinian people to defend their land and liberate it from occupation. The group also noted that at this critical time, it is very important to support the leadership and maintain unity and integrity.

In Israel, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari blamed Sinwar for the October 7 attack, saying Israel would continue to pursue him.

"There is only one place for Yahya Sinwar, and that is next to Mohammed Deif and the other Oct. 7 terrorists," he told Al-Arabiya television, according to a statement released by the military.

"That is the only place we have prepared and intended for him."

Born in a refugee camp in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, Sinwar (61) was elected Hamas leader in Gaza in 2017 after earning a reputation as a ruthless enforcer among Palestinians and a staunch enemy of Israel.