Who Is Khaled Mashal, Tipped To Be Next Hamas Chief If Yahya Sinwar's Death Gets Confirmed?

The possible death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza by Israeli forces raises crucial questions about the future leadership of organisation and the ongoing conflict with Tel Aviv.

With Israeli authorities currently investigating the situation, the loss of Sinwar, also known as Abu Ibrahim, would present a major strategic blow to Hamas.

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Some experts are of the opinion that if Sinwar is indeed dead, then Khaled Mashal could be a strong contender for leadership, bringing with him considerable experience and a complex history within the movement.

Israeli military sources have reported the discovery of three bodies in a building they bombed, with one possibly belonging to Sinwar, reported Türkiye Today.

The IDF has stated that they are conducting investigations to verify this.

Sinwar: A High Profile Target

Sinwar has long been a target for Israeli forces, accused of being a key figure behind the violence that erupted on 7 October 2023. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stressed on social media that Sinwar's recent appointment added yet another "critical reason" for his elimination.

Since the conflict began on 7 October, Sinwar has not made any public appearances, creating uncertainty over Hamas's leadership.

General Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), confirmed that the pursuit of Sinwar would continue regardless of any attempts to change his public image or identity.

Khaled Meshaal: Strong Contender

Khaled Mashal could emerge as a strong candidate for leadership withing Hamas. Born in 1956 in the occupied West Bank, Mashal joined the Muslim Brotherhood at the age of 15 and later became a founding member of Hamas' political bureau when it was established in 1987.

Mashal gained international recognition after surviving an Israeli assassination attempt in 1997. The incident, which took place in Jordan, escalated into a political crisis between Jordan and Israel, ultimately saving Mashal's life when King Hussein of Jordan demanded the antidote for the poison used by Israeli agents.

Exile and Return

Mashal has spent much of his life outside Palestine, mainly focused on fundraising for Hamas. Following the assassination attempt, he was exiled to Qatar after Jordan closed Hamas's office in Amman.

He also spent eight years in Syria before parting ways with the Assad regime due to its treatment of Sunni groups.

In December 2012, Mashal visited Gaza for the first time since he was 11 years old. However, he later clashed with other Hamas leaders over efforts to reconcile with Fatah, the Palestinian National Liberation Movement, which eventually led to his departure as head of Hamas' Political Bureau.