Yahya Sinwar

Yahya Sinwar
name	Yahya Sinwar
other names	Yahya Ibrahim Hassan al-Sinwar, Abu Ibrahim
Personal details
brith year	1962 AD - 1340 SH - 1381 HA
birth place	Khan Yunis, Palestine
religion	Islam
faith	Sunni
works	Majd and Monitoring the Performance of Shabak Hamas Experience and Error
known for	the head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas

Yahya Sinwar, known as "Abu Ibrahim", is the head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. He became the successor of Ismail Haniyeh in 2017. He is the founder of the security service of Hamas, called "Majd". The security apparatus focuses on internal security cases.

Abu Ibrahim was arrested by the Israeli regime forces in 1988 and sentenced to four life imprisonment. However, in 2011, he was released in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners with "Gilad Shalit", an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas. Many Israeli analysts believe that freeing Yahya Sinwar was the biggest mistake that the Israeli regime made against its own interests.

Biography

Yahya was born on October 19, 1962, in the Khan Yunis refugee camp. He is originally from the city of Majdal in Palestine. He got married after being freed from the Zionist regime's prisons in 2012 and has two sons and one daughter.

Education

He studied at the schools of the Jenin refugee camp until he completed his secondary education. He entered the Islamic University of Gaza and obtained a bachelor's degree in Arabic language.

Student activities

He was active in the student council of the Islamic University for 5 years and was elected as the secretary and deputy of the cultural and mathematical committee. After that, he took over the presidency of the mentioned council and later was elected as its deputy again. (1982 - 1987) He participated in the student debates among different currents as a theorist of the Islamic current and he also was in charge of the Islamic current. He founded and led the group "Return to Islamic Art" with the help and cooperation of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin.

Militant and jihadist activities

He participated in the establishment of the security institution of the Hamas movement under the leadership of Ahmad Yassin in 1983. In 1986, he and some others were appointed by Sheikh Ahmad Yassin to form the Jihad and Invitation Organization (Majd), which is one of the most important leaders of this organization. Guidance and leadership of some of the popular clashes with the Zionist enemy (1982 - 1988).

Arrests

He was arrested in 1982 for 6 months following participation in resistance actions. Also, he was arrested in 1985 for 8 months due to participating in security and resistance actions. Again, he was arrested in 1988 and sentenced to 4 life imprisonment. He spent 22 years of his life consecutively in the enemy's prisons, of which about 4 years were in solitary confinement.

He led the prisoners of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the prisons for several years. He and some of his brothers led several hunger strikes, the most important of which were in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004.

Works

He is fluent in Hebrew and has political and security writings and translations. His most important activities in this area are as follows:

• Translating the book Shabak Everywhere
• Translating the book Israeli Parties in 1992.
• writing the book "Hamas Experience and Error"
• writing the book "Majd and Monitoring the Performance of Shabak"
• writing a novel titled "The Shock of the Carnation" which tells the story of a Palestinian's militant experience from 1967 to the Intifada
• Also, he has Numerous writings in security literature that strengthened the security understanding of the Hamas movement.

After-freedom Activities

He was released in 2011 during the agreement "Loyalty to the Liberators" (Shalit) between the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the Zionist enemy. He had a great influence on determining the borders and conditions of this agreement and for this reason, the Zionist enemy kept him in solitary confinement before the success of this agreement. He was elected as a member of the political bureau of Hamas in the Gaza Strip in 2021 and took over the security file of this movement. Then, in 2013 he was elected as a member of the general political bureau and was in charge of the military file of this movement. The United States blacklisted him as an international terrorist in September 2015. The Hamas movement appointed him as the head of the file of Israeli prisoners held by the Qassam Brigades in 2015. He was elected as the head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip in February 2017. He was re-elected as the head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in March 2020. His house was bombed and destroyed three times. The first time in 1988, the second time during the 2014 war against the Gaza Strip, and the last time during the 2021 war against this region.

Letters

About the Achievements of the Resistance Against the Zionist Occupiers

Al-Jazeera reported that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, sent an important and long letter to the head and members of the political bureau of this movement in the last two days, in which he referred to the achievements of the Qassam Brigades in the unprecedented battle with the army of the Zionist regime in the Gaza Strip and inflicting heavy blows and casualties on them.

According to the Palestine Information Center, sources close to Hamas confirmed that Sinwar wrote in his letter that the Qassam Brigades targeted about 5,000 Israeli officers and soldiers during the ground attack by the Zionist enemy on Gaza, of which one-third were killed, one-third were severely wounded, and another third became permanently disabled. He also wrote about the enemy's military vehicles that 750 vehicles were completely or partially destroyed.

He has written in another part of this letter that the Qassam Brigades have shattered the Zionist army and continue to inflict hard and painful blows on them and will not succumb to the enemy's conditions.

Yahya Sinwar, in his letter, appreciated the resilience of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and emphasized that the residents of the Gaza Strip showed an unparalleled example of self-sacrifice, heroism, chivalry, and solidarity and that it is the duty of the political leaders to immediately strive to heal the wounds and sufferings of these people and strengthen their resilience.

Sinwar's letter to the leaders of Hamas has been sent following the proposals of the Zionist regime to this movement through the Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding a temporary ceasefire in Gaza. This is while the Hamas movement has announced that they will not accept a temporary ceasefire anymore and the goal of this movement is to stop the war against Gaza completely.

Israel's Fear of Abu Ibrahim

From the perspective of the Israeli regime and its intelligence and security agencies, Yahya Sinwar is a more extremist figure than other Hamas leaders. The Israel Policy and Strategy Center, affiliated with the Herzliya Center, points out in a report that Yahya Sinwar has been able to change the rules of confrontation between the Palestinian resistance and Israel. The Sword of Jerusalem operation, which Hamas entered to support Jerusalem and its residents, is a manifestation of Sinwar's specific approach to confronting Israel. This center advises the Israeli regime to prepare itself sooner or later for a large-scale attack by the Palestinian resistance. A recommendation that became a reality in the form of the Al-Aqsa Storm operation and Israel largely attributes the engineering of this issue to Yahya Sinwar.

Israel's Intelligence War for Assassination

The senior Israeli officials have spoken and taken positions so much about the necessity of assassinating Yahya Sinwar that it seems they can no longer back down from this issue. This approach has made the assassination of Yahya Sinwar a matter of prestige for the Israeli regime. Yahya Sinwar and the Hamas movement are also trying to impose another intelligence and security victory on this regime in the framework of the equation defined by Israel. Sinwar is now managing the war against the Israeli army alongside other high-ranking leaders of the military and political branches of Hamas, while there is also a serious security focus on protecting him. Because his assassination by Israel could transmit negative pulses to the Palestinian resistance and the battlefields of Gaza. Yahya Sinwar and the security apparatuses of the Hamas movement, which he was one of the main founders of, are now facing a very big test. It seems that both Yahya Sinwar and Hamas, in general, have expected the current scenario, which is the widespread attack of the occupying regime of Jerusalem on the Gaza Strip and the attempt to assassinate the commanders and senior officials of this movement, and have made the necessary preparations for themselves in this regard. This makes Israel's efforts to assassinate the mysterious man of Hamas face many serious challenges.

Martyrdom

Abu Ibrahim, after years of struggle, was martyred on Thursday, October16,2024, corresponding to Mehr26,1403 in the Iranian calendar, and13 Rabi al-Thani,1446 in the lunar calendar, on the battlefield. On October17,2024, the Israeli Defense Forces announced that they were investigating the presence of Sanwar among three individuals killed during yesterday’s operation in Gaza, although neither Israel nor Hamas officially confirmed his death. Israeli soldiers, while investigating attacks on Hamas members, discovered a body that bore a strong resemblance to Sanwar, and a piece of his finger was cut off and sent to Israel as a sample of DNA.

Reactions

Some of the reactions all over the world are as follows:

Message from Imam Khamenei

The message from the Leader of the Revolution outlined three strategies:1. For the resistance front: advance and do not stop;2. For Hamas: remain alive and persistent;3. For Iran: continual companionship with the sincere fighters and devotees.

The text of the message from the Islamic Revolution Leader is as follows: In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. O Muslim nations! O valiant youth of the region! The heroic fighter, Commander Yahya Sanwar, has joined his martyred comrades. He was a shining figure of resistance and struggle; he stood with unwavering resolve against the oppressive and invading enemy; with wisdom and courage, he struck back; he left an indelible blow of October7 in the history of this region; and then he flew to the ascension of martyrs with pride and dignity. Someone like him, who spent his life fighting against the usurping and oppressive enemy, deserves nothing less than martyrdom. His absence is certainly painful for the resistance front, but this front will not cease its advance, even with the martyrdom of prominent figures like Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Fathi Shiqaqi, Rantisi, and Ismail Haniyeh; and it will face no halt with Sanwar’s martyrdom, with God’s permission. "Hamas is alive and will remain alive." We will, as always, stand alongside the sincere fighters and warriors; with the grace and help of God.

I extend my condolences to the family of our brother Yahya Sanwar, to his comrades, and to all those devoted to the jihad for the sake of God, and I congratulate them on his martyrdom.Peace be upon the righteous servants of God.

Seyyed Ali Khamenei;1403/7/28

Message from the President of I. R. Iran

The text of the President's message is as follows:

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The news of the assassination and martyrdom of the tireless fighter, head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Mr. Yahya Sanwar, although painful and distressing for all freedom-seekers of the world, especially the heroic people of Palestine, is at the same time a clear sign of the unceasing crimes of the usurping and child-killing Zionist regime. Martyr Sanwar, throughout his valuable life, spent years in the captivity of the brutal Zionist regime and continued to fight heroically until the last moments of his glorious life without giving up. Jihad in opposition to aggression and dedicating freedom and liberation to the rightful owners of the occupied territories is a monumental movement and lofty goal that will not be halted by the assassination and removal of the heroes in this arena. Just as the dear martyr, Ismail Haniyeh, said: “If one leader vanishes, another will rise.” The enemy should be aware that with the martyrdom of commanders, heroes, and leaders, there will be no disruption in the struggle of the Islamic Ummah against oppression and occupation. I offer my congratulations and condolences for the martyrdom of this brave field commander, Martyr Yahya Sanwar, to the Supreme Leader (may his shadow be prolonged), the oppressed and dignified people of Gaza, and all freedom-seekers of the world.Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Message from the Secretary-General of the Unity Conference

The text of the message from Hojjatoleslam and Muslims Shahriari following the martyrdom of Yahya Sanwar is as follows: In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"Let those who fight in the cause of Allah, who sell this worldly life for the Hereafter, strive hard, for whoever fights in the cause of Allah and is killed or overcomes will receive a great reward." I extend my congratulations and condolences on the proud martyrdom of the brave Commander of the resistance, the tireless and unyielding Mujahid, the esteemed martyr Yahya Sanwar, the honorable head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution (may his shadow be prolonged), the oppressed and subjugated nations, especially to the noble and resilient people of Palestine, and to the warriors of the great Islamic resistance front. This hero of Jihad and resistance for the freedom of Palestine, who stood firm against the oppression and brutality of the usurping regime with unwavering faith and a heart full of love for his homeland and the Islamic Ummah, demonstrated through his martyrdom on the battlefield that the disciples of the school of "Islam" and "Martyrdom," who are grounded in noble ideals and values, have stepped into the arena of struggle and fear not martyrdom on this sacred path. Yahya Sanwar, a Sunni commander whose aspirations were Kufa-like and symbolized a united Islamic Ummah, stood firm like a mountain against fierce winds, feared not the hardships, and resisted all pressures and ruthless attacks. God Almighty granted him a heroic martyrdom, bestowing upon him eternal dignity, making him a symbol of perseverance, honor, and hope for the Palestinian Mujahideen, as well as a role model for both the current and future generations to show everyone that the leaders of the resistance stand firm on the path of Palestine's ideals until their last breath. We honor the pure and holy spirit of this great martyr and express our condolences to his esteemed family, his comrades, and the oppressed and mighty people of Gaza. We ask Almighty God for this hero of resistance to be resurrected alongside the martyrs of the early Islam and the martyrs of Karbala. Support and victory are the promises of God to the fighters of the Islamic resistance front and the beloved Palestine, and we are certain that the banner of struggle against oppression and transgression will always be raised high, and the liberation of Palestine, as well as the end of the disgraceful life of the usurping Zionist regime, will soon be realized. God willing.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of I. R. Iran

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"Go forth, and you shall inherit glory for your sons." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran congratulates and expresses condolences on the martyrdom of Yahya Sanwar, the great hero of the path to Palestinian freedom, a freedman of honor, and an author who spent22 years of his life in the dungeons of the occupiers, during which he wrote several works including the novel "Thorn and Clove." He ultimately took up arms and was martyred on the battlefield against the occupying army. This message is conveyed to the great and patient people of Palestine, the Islamic Ummah, and all free and dignity-seeking people around the world. Yahya Sanwar was a branch of the noble tree of honorable resistance against the occupation and the oppression of Zionism, dedicating his blessed life to the dignified struggle for the legitimate and human rights of the Palestinian people, liberating them from the yoke of occupation and apartheid. The name Sanwar has now been added to the illustrious record of the heroic figures of the Islamic Ummah such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Abdul Aziz Rantisi, Qasem Soleimani, Ismail Haniyeh, and Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, who sacrificed everything to keep alive the path of resistance and strive to end the occupation and to realize the legitimate and fundamental right to dignity and existence. The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the crimes of the Zionist regime in the assassination and killing of Palestinian leaders and elites, which is part of the ongoing13-month genocidal plan in the occupied territories. It reminds the responsibility of the arms suppliers and the political and financial supporters of this regime, particularly the United States, as accomplices in the commission of these crimes. The footage released from the moment of the heroic martyrdom of Sanwar in the ruins of Gaza is a profound outcry that embodies the victimhood and helplessness of a people oppressed for eighty years under the merciless rule of the occupiers; it showcases the grandeur of faith, dignity, courage, and self-sacrifice, deliberately choosing a dignified death over a life of humiliation. Without a doubt, the physical elimination of those striving for dignity and human honor will not hinder the doctrine and path of resistance; rather, their honorable deaths inspire their true followers for freedom and honor.

Brigades of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam

Military Statement from the Martyr Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades is as follows:

"And do not think that those who are killed in the cause of Allah are dead; rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision." [Surah Al-Imran –169]

To the struggling Palestinian nation... to the Arab and Muslim nation: The Martyr Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades announce the martyrdom of Yahya Sanwar "Abu Ibrahim," the leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas. He did not turn his back on the fronts and was martyred in the most honorable confrontations defending the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, our people, and their legitimate rights. It is an honor that our commanders are present in the fields even before the soldiers, and its commanders lead the caravan of martyrs, sacrificing their lives and blood for the sake of God and the freedom of Palestine. As the commander, he heroically engaged with aggressors who believed that Gaza was a delicious prey for their cowardly army.

The path of "Abu Ibrahim," our commander, was an honorable one; he was from the lineage of the founders of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas and its military and security apparatus. He spent over twenty years of his youth in the prisons of the occupying regime. Upon his release, he continued his path of struggle, denying himself comfort and overseeing the military operations of the movement in three areas while playing a key role in the unification of resistance fronts in the path to Jerusalem. He then assumed leadership of this movement in Gaza, creating a qualitative transformation in the political and military landscape, with "Storming of Al-Aqsa" at the forefront.

When the resistance groups, especially Hamas, decided to enter this great and historic battle of the Palestinian jihad, they knew the price of freedom was very high, and all the people had already paid the cost before being freed from the occupiers. The devoted children were ready to advance, presenting their commanders and soldiers, refusing to surrender to the enemy or remain silent in the face of injustice and the plunder of their people's legitimate rights. Our path of jihad and struggle will not cease until the liberation of Palestine and the expulsion of the last Zionist from it, and the restoration of all our legitimate rights. The best proof of this is that our nation, one year after the battle of "Storming Al-Aqsa," despite paying heavy costs and in the face of the savage genocidal crimes of the Zionists, has not surrendered or been defeated.

If this criminal enemy thinks that by assassinating great resistance leaders like Sanwar, Haniyeh, Nasrallah, al-Arouri, and others, it can extinguish the flame of resistance or push it back, it is mistaken; the resistance will continue and will intensify until the legitimate goals of our people are achieved. For martyrdom is the highest aspiration of our leaders, and their blood will be a guiding light for liberation and a fire upon the aggressors. Our leaders have sacrificed hundreds of thousands of determined fighters to cleanse Palestine and Al-Aqsa from their impurity, God willing.**"The result of jihad is either victory or martyrdom."**The Martyr Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades - Palestine, Friday, the15th of Rabi al-Thani,1446 AH.

Hezbollah Lebanon

Hezbollah Lebanon expressed its condolences regarding the martyrdom of Yahya Sanwar. In a statement, Hezbollah Lebanon said: "We offer our condolences to the struggling and oppressed people of Palestine, our brothers in the Hamas movement, the Arab and Islamic Ummah, and all the freedom fighters and free people of the world, on the martyrdom of the commander of the 'Storming of Al-Aqsa,' the head of the political bureau of Hamas, the martyr leader Yahya Sanwar. We extend our condolences to his honorable and sacrificing family, and we ask God for patience, solace, and high rewards for them in the hereafter."

Hezbollah stated: "The martyr commander Yahya Sanwar, who took on the mantle from the martyr Ismail Haniyeh to continue the path of resistance and self-sacrifice alongside the fighters standing against the American project and Zionist occupation, shed his blood and achieved the highest levels of human dignity and perfection." In its statement, Hezbollah said: "In Hezbollah, alongside the steadfast and resilient Lebanese people, we confront the consequences of the crimes of the Zionist enemy. We affirm once again our support and solidarity with our people in Palestine, having complete faith in God's promise and the assistance of His faithful servants. We ask God to embrace our dear martyr with His vast mercy and forgiveness, and to grant victory, dignity, and freedom to the hearts of the fighting believers."

Islamic Resistance of Iraq

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful: "Permission is given to those who fight because they have been wronged, and indeed, Allah is capable of granting them victory." [Surah Al-Hajj –39]. The Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, continuing their stance against occupation, in support of their people in Palestine and Lebanon, and in response to the massacres committed by the occupying regime against civilians including children, women, and the elderly, launched an attack this morning, Saturday, October19,2024, on a military target in the northern territories using drones. "And victory is not but from Allah; indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." [Surah Al-Imran –126]Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Saturday,15th of Rabi al-Thani,1446 AH.

Sayyed Hassan Khomeini

Sayyed Hassan Khomeini stated: “Yahya Sanwar has been martyred, but his unparalleled ideals and struggles will remain eternal and recurring. Undoubtedly, occupation will come to an end, and the occupiers will reach the end of the line. The heroic martyrdom of Yahya Sanwar has opened a new chapter in the history of the struggles of the Palestinian people."

People of Yemen

The statement of the people of Yemen at the conclusion of their million-strong rally in various cities of the country: "Sanwar fought at the forefront of Islam, representing the entire Ummah against the Zionists. Martyr Sanwar and his Mujahid companions in the 'Storm of Al-Aqsa' operation shook the strongholds of the Zionists as the largest operation in the history of confronting the Zionist enemy. We will continue the path of this martyr and strive in the way of God in all military, political, and media fields, and the 'Storm of Al-Aqsa' will not cease until the liberation of Palestine and the expulsion of the Zionists, and we will continue to support the people and resistance of Lebanon against the Zionist enemy."

Secretary-General of Ansar Allah Movement in Yemen

The Secretary-General of the Ansar Allah movement in Yemen stated: "Martyr Sanwar fell in the field of confrontation, bravery, and honor. The sacrifices of the Palestinian people and their Mujahideen will never be forgotten. Hamas is a cohesive movement that has provided martyrs since its inception. We express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of martyr Sanwar, the Hamas movement, the Qassam Brigades, and all the people of Palestine. The enemy believes that sacrifices will lead to the collapse of resistance, but the Qassam Brigades will continue to defend their people and holy places. We will never cease our support for the people of Palestine, and we tell our brothers in Palestine: you are not alone, and we are with you until victory."

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran The message from Major General Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, following the martyrdom of Yahya Sanwar: "The despicable Zionists should know that the blazing torch of resistance will not be extinguished by the martyrdom of that dear one. The brave Palestinian fighters, with stronger determination, will continue to be the sharp and piercing sword against the wicked occupiers, resolved to liberate the noble Quds. The Zionist enemy should know it is nearing the end of its disgraceful life."

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran

The text of the message from the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC is as follows: "I extend my condolences on the proud martyrdom of the resilient Mujahid and elite of the Palestinian Islamic resistance, Yahya Sanwar, head of the political bureau of Hamas. The name 'Martyr Sanwar' will shine from today alongside the names of renowned Palestinian fighters such as Ahmed Yassin and Ismail Haniyeh, who were martyred in the struggle for the liberation of noble Quds. This will ignite the flame of anti-Zionist resistance and, by God's grace, will soon turn the usurpers of the sacred land to ashes. He shone as a symbol of the unwavering struggle and anti-Zionist resistance in the Islamic Ummah and the Arab world, with revolutionary spirit and successful command at strategic and operational levels, especially in orchestrating the historic operations of 'Sword of Al-Quds' and 'Storm of Al-Aqsa,' causing catastrophic strategic turmoil within Zionism. Martyr Sanwar, not in the depths of Gaza's secret tunnels, but in the heart of the battlefield and on the ground, commanded and led the resistance fighters to martyrdom, exposing the fabricated and false narratives of the Zionist regime about him."

Secretary-General of Islamic Jihad Movement

Ziad al-Nakhalah, Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement: "The martyrdom of Sanwar is a turning point in the history of the Palestinian struggle. The name of Martyr Sanwar is intertwined with the greatest battle that the Palestinian people have fought throughout their long struggle, namely 'Storm of Al-Aqsa.' We bid farewell to Abu Ibrahim, our leader and martyr, and the martyrs in our struggle towards the liberation of Al-Quds are alive and provided for by their Lord. Our flags are raised and will not be lowered, and the Palestinian people and the resistance are loyal to the path of resistance."

References

• The Palestinian Information Center.
• Yahya al-Sinwar.