Hamas leader breaks nearly a year of silence, sends letters from hiding
Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar has written a rare letter to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, reaffirming his commitment to combating Israel and supporting the Iran-backed alliance of regional militant groups known as the “Axis of Resistance.”
The letter, shared on Hezbollah’s Telegram channel, emphasizes Hamas’ dedication to resisting Israel and maintaining unity within the Islamic world.
Sinwar, believed to be hiding in Gaza, expressed allegiance to the path set by his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, and emphasized the importance of the Axis of Resistance in opposing the Zionist project.
The letter follows Hezbollah’s continued engagement against Israel, which began after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, leading to a devastating Israeli response in Gaza.
Sinwar, one of Israel’s most wanted men, has been in hiding since the war began. However, he has recently re-emerged, issuing statements and letters, including congratulations to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his election victory and gratitude to those who sent condolences for Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran.
Analysts suggest that Sinwar’s recent communications are intended to demonstrate his control and influence despite Israeli efforts to neutralize him. Muhammad Shehada, a Gaza-based analyst, noted that Sinwar is attempting to signal both to Israel and to his own movement that he remains in command.
Sinwar, seen as more hardline than Haniyeh, has strengthened Hamas’ ties with Iran and Hezbollah, advocating for closer cooperation with these allies.
In his letter to Nasrallah, Sinwar vowed to continue defending Islamic holy sites, particularly Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque, and to persist in the struggle for Palestinian statehood.
The October 7 attack, which Sinwar described as “one of the most honorable battles” in Palestinian history, has intensified the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Sinwar remaining a central figure in the ongoing tensions.
Credit: CNN
