Hamas to keep new leader’s name secret

Last Updated on October 25, 2024 6:02 am

Hamas, the Palestinian independence movement, has told the BBC that the name and identity of its new leader will be kept secret for security reasons after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in an Israeli strike.

The Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat also reported the news on Saturday. Several Hamas sources told the newspaper that discussions had taken place within the party.

Hamas leaders are moving towards an exceptional decision to keep the identity and name of the head of the party’s new political bureau secret. The decision is likely due to the security challenges Hamas is going through.

The news, citing Hamas sources, said that there is almost a consensus between Hamas leaders in Gaza and abroad to keep the name of the new leader secret.

The group is trying to make it difficult for Israel to find and kill Hamas leaders in the future. If the names are withheld, Israel will be left wondering who will decide on the ceasefire and hostage release talks in Gaza.

With Sinwar’s death, the list of those who can lead Hamas now includes Mohammed Sinwar, Khalil al-Haya, Khaled Meshaal, Mahmoud al-Zahr, Mohammed Shabana, Marwan Issa and Rawhi Mushtaha.

Many top leaders of both the political and military wings of Hamas have been assassinated by Israel in recent months.

The latest Israeli attack on Gaza on Thursday killed Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the unprecedented attacks by Hamas fighters who entered Israel on October 7 last year.

Earlier, Ismail Haniya, the leader of Hamas’ political wing, was killed in late July. Israel was blamed for his death. Although Israel has never admitted responsibility for Haniya’s murder.