The Economist: Yahya Sinwar as Hamas leader makes ceasefire less likely
The Economist published an article under the title “Hamas’ choice of Yahya Sinwar as its leader makes a ceasefire less likely”.
The Economist considered that choosing Sinwar – who is the architect of the October 7 attack – is a clear message to the world that the hardline wing of Hamas is currently in charge, which makes it more difficult to reach an agreement between Israel and the movement that includes a halt to the war that has claimed the lives of about 40,000 people so far.
The Economist suggested that Sinwar’s becoming the Head of Hamas is technically temporary until the possible elections are held next year, but it pointed out that the raging war in Gaza increases expectations that those elections won’t be held on time, which may help Sinwar continue to head the Hamas movement’s political bureau without dispute.
The Economist considered that Hamas’ inclinations towards external powers and the Hamas leadership’s preference for Yahya Sinwar over Khaled Mesha’al – who was expected to return to the position of head of Hamas’ political bureau after Haniyeh’s assassination as he had previously held this position and had experience in managing the political situation at the international level – were considered evidence that recent years have witnessed a great deal of rapprochement between Sinwar and Iran, which was a major reason for Sinwar’s preference over others, as the Hamas movement is in dire need of Tehran’s support in the current and future period during the war in the Gaza Strip, according to the report.
The Economist believed that appointing Sinwar would further marginalize Hamas’ external political leaders, who are generally seen as more moderate and interested in diplomacy.
The Economist concluded that if there was indeed a part of Hamas interested in diplomacy, this move has weakened it.
While Haniyeh was pushing for a ceasefire with Israel, Sinwar was trying to prolong the conflict, considering that with Sinwar consolidating his control over Gaza and Hamas’ political bureau, the chances of a ceasefire and the release of the hostages seem more remote.
