Hamas firebrand Yehya Sinwar was re-elected Wednesday as the leader of a Palestinian terrorist group in the Gaza Strip, leaving a figure closely tied to the hard shield that dominates the group’s strategy in its main stronghold.
Bassem Naim, a high figure of Hamas, confirmed that Sinwar had been challenged by Nizar Awadallah, one of the founders of Hamas. Sinwar will serve another four-year term.
Its impact on Hamas’ relationship with Israel and other regional players could have a significant impact. It could also affect the upcoming Palestinian elections, the first in 15 years.
Sinwar was a member of the group’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, who spent more than two decades in an Israeli prison after being convicted of murdering two Israelis.
He was released in a prison swap in 2011 for IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held captive by Hamas in Gaza for five years.
Sinwar maintains close ties with the militias and has often promoted Israel’s controversial approach.
The Gaza Strip is Hamas ’most important area of activity. The anti – Israeli group seized control of the land from the Fatah – controlled Palestinian Authority in a bloody battle in 2007.
Since then, he has fought three wars and several divisions against Israel, retaining power despite the severe Israeli-Egyptian blockade that has destroyed the economy.
Awadallah was one of the founders of Hamas in the late 1980s and has strong ties to the group’s political leaders.
Hamas political leaders have closer ties to Qatar and Turkey and tend to be more pragmatic when dealing with Israel. The military shield is closer to Iran and favors a more militant approach to Israel.