Hamas Power Struggle Intensifies After Leader’s Assassination
In his latest opinion piece, Elias Zananiri delves into the complex and ongoing battle for leadership within Hamas following the assassination of its Political Bureau head, Ismail Haniyeh, on Iranian soil. Zananiri begins by recounting how Haniyeh’s assassination, despite the fanfare of Iranian ceremonies, has cast a shadow over Iran’s reputation for security. He highlights the intrigue and uncertainty surrounding Haniyeh’s death, including the suspicion that Khaled Mashal, a former Hamas leader, may have anticipated trouble in Tehran.
Zananiri explores the power struggle within Hamas, focusing on the tension between different factions vying for control. He explains that, according to Hamas regulations, one of Haniyeh’s deputies should succeed him. However, with the assassination of Saleh al-Arouri, the choice narrowed to Yahya Sinwar, head of the political bureau in Gaza, whose selection signals a shift toward a more extreme leadership within the organization.
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The piece also touches on the delicate balance Sinwar must maintain as he navigates his new role under constant threat of assassination. Zananiri suggests that Sinwar’s survival and decisions may be closely tied to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political strategy, making for a precarious future.
To understand the full scope of the internal dynamics within Hamas and the broader implications for the region, readers should consider Zananiri’s detailed analysis.