After the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during an Israeli military operation on October 16, 2024, speculation has risen about who will succeed him. Yahya Sinwar, a key figure in Hamas’ leadership and the mastermind of the 2023 attack on Israel, was killed in southern Gaza. His death follows the July killing of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in a suspected Israeli airstrike in Tehran.
Here’s a look at the potential successors to lead Hamas:
1. Mohammed Sinwar
Yahya’s brother, Mohammed Sinwar, is one of the leading contenders to take over the leadership of Hamas. Born on September 15, 1975, Mohammed is a senior commander in Hamas’ armed wing. Like his brother, he has been a top target for Israel and has survived multiple assassination attempts, including airstrikes and roadside bombs. Though rarely seen in public, Mohammed is considered a veteran leader within the group.
2. Mahmoud al-Zahar
A surgeon by profession, Mahmoud al-Zahar is another possible candidate. Known for his hardline stance towards Israel, Zahar, 79, has been a prominent figure in Hamas for years, earning the nickname “General” among both allies and enemies. He survived an Israeli assassination attempt in 2003 and was the first Hamas-appointed foreign minister after the group took control of Gaza in 2007. However, his current whereabouts and condition are unknown.
3. Khalil al-Hayya
Khalil al-Hayya was Yahya Sinwar’s deputy and has been involved in ceasefire talks with Israel, under the supervision of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Al-Hayya was reportedly near Haniyeh during the strike that killed him in Tehran, although not in the same apartment. His close ties to both Sinwar and Haniyeh position him as a strong contender.
4. Mohammad Shabana (Abu Anas Shabana)
Mohammad Shabana, also known as Abu Anas Shabana, is another senior commander within Hamas. He leads the Hamas battalion in Rafah, a key region in southern Gaza, and has played a significant role in developing the tunnel networks used to launch attacks against Israeli forces.
The death of Yahya Sinwar marks a significant shift in Hamas leadership, and the next leader will play a crucial role in shaping the group’s strategies moving forward in the ongoing conflict.