Terrorist Leaders in Disarray After Death of Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar Amid Continued Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza

Gaza, 19 October : Following the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar in Israeli airstrikes, the leadership of the terrorist organization is in disarray. As panic spreads among its ranks, Hamas is reportedly considering appointing a leader from outside Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the region, with over 30 civilians killed near Nasser Junction.

Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported the incident near Nasser Junction in northern Gaza's Jabalia camp, where Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of more than 30 civilians, including 20 women and children, and left over 50 others injured. The Israeli military bombed several houses in the area, intensifying the assault on northern Gaza.

According to WAFA, since the onset of Israeli attacks on Gaza on October 7, 2023, a staggering 42,500 civilians have lost their lives, and nearly 100,000 others have been injured. Additionally, two more civilians were killed in Israeli bombing at the Al-Maghazi camp in central Gaza, while a further 64 civilians were killed in Friday's attacks, 45 of whom were from Jabalia camp.

Reports from various media outlets in Syria suggest that after Sinwar's death, Hamas is exploring the option of appointing a leader from outside Gaza. Yahya's brother, Mohammad Sinwar, is now expected to take a significant role in the ongoing conflict against Israel. Khalil al-Hayya, a close associate of Yahya Sinwar, is being considered as a potential successor, given his current role as Hamas' chief negotiator.

Other potential candidates for leadership include former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and Mohammad Darwish, the head of the Shura Council. The organization has now lost two of its leaders in under three months. Ismail Haniyeh, who had led Hamas for several years, was killed in Iran on July 31. Following his death, Yahya Sinwar took charge until his recent killing by Israeli forces. Unlike Sinwar, who unified Gaza's military and political leadership, it seems unlikely the next leader will be able to do the same.

On Friday, the Israeli army announced that they had killed two infiltrators attempting to cross the Jordanian border into southern Israel, further highlighting the escalating tensions in the region.