GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) – Hamas has named a top militant commander as its new leader in the Gaza Strip, an official media outlet confirmed on Monday, placing one of the Islamic militant group’s most hard-line figures in charge of operations in its core power base.
The appointment of Yehiya Sinwar, who was freed by Israel in a 2011 prisoner swap, solidifies the takeover of Gaza operations by the armed wing of the group. The military wing, which controls thousands of fighters and a vast arsenal of rockets, has battled Israel in three wars since Hamas seized Gaza a decade ago.
Sinwar’s selection was reported by Hamas’ al-Resala news site. A Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing the group’s secretive election process, also confirmed the appointment.
Sinwar replaces Ismail Haniyeh, who served as the prime minister of Hamas’ government following the 2007 takeover of Gaza. Haniyeh is now expected to take over as Hamas’ supreme leader, replacing Khaled Mashaal, who lives in exile.
Khalil al-Haya, another political hard-liner, was elected as Sinwar’s deputy.