Who is Muhammad Sinwar? the Archenemy of Israel and New Chief of Hamas
Following the revered leader of the Hamas jihadist movement, the martyr Yahya al-Sinwar, his brother, Muhammad al-Sinwar, has stepped in to assume his role, embodying a significant source of anguish and a staunch adversary of Israel.
Regarded as the second most prominent figure within the movement subsequent to the martyred leader of Hamas's military wing, al-Qassam, Muhammad Khaled al-Dif, Muhammad al-Sinwar has filled the leadership vacuum.
Over the last 25 years, Israel has persistently claimed the martyrdom of Muhammad al-Dif, alongside spreading unfounded speculations about the demise of Muhammad al-Sinwar on numerous occasions, all of which were subsequently debunked.
To such an extent that Israel has now bestowed upon him the moniker of "the man who returned from the dead."
Who is Muhammad Ibrahim Hassan Al-Sinwar?
Born on September 16, 1975, in the Khan Yunis camp, Muhammad Ibrahim Hassan Al-Sinwar, aged 50, hails from a family that relocated to the Khan Yunis area of Gaza following the Palestinian Nakba, a period marked by the expulsion of Palestinians from Ashkelon and other Palestinian cities by Israeli forces.
Growing up amidst the challenges of occupation, his resolve and fortitude were shaped by his elder brother, the martyr Yahya Al-Sinwar, a revered figure embodying resistance, bravery, and self-sacrifice.
He received his elementary education within the schools operated by the Palestinian Authority for Refugees (UNRWA).
Detention and Endurance:
In 1991, he was apprehended by the Zionist regime and confined in the "Katsiyot" prison. After enduring 9 months of captivity, he was eventually set free.
Subsequently, in 1992, he was arrested by the Palestinian proxy regime, currently under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas, and underwent periods of imprisonment totaling three years.
In 2000, shortly after the onset of the Al-Aqsa Intifada, he successfully evaded from a prison located in the city of Ramallah.
Commencement of Jihadist Expedition and Life of Resistance:
Following his release from incarceration, Muhammad al-Sinwar embarked on the path of resistance and jihad. Despite his affiliation with the martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam, the military wing of Hamas, since the early 1990s, it was not until 2005 that his capabilities and aptitude came to light. Subsequently, he assumed the role of commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade, recognized as one of the most formidable units of the resistance. He ascended to become a prominent figure within the Military Committee of al-Qassam, alongside Muhammad al-Dif and Marwan Issa.
Architect of Major Campaigns and the Adversary of Israeli Forces
Muhammad al-Sinwar is recognized as the strategic mind behind numerous significant operations that inflicted heavy casualties on Israeli forces, leading the Zionist regime to label him a formidable foe of Israel.
Among these operations was "Al-Woham al-Mutabadd," conducted on June 25, 2006, targeting an Israeli military installation close to the eastern border of Rafah in Gaza. This mission resulted in the capture of the renowned Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Additionally, Muhammad al-Sinwar directly oversaw the 2011 prisoner exchange incident.
Strategist of significant missions and adversary of Israeli forces
Muhammad al-Sinwar is recognized as the architect of numerous impactful operations that have resulted in substantial casualties for Israeli occupiers, leading the Zionist regime to perceive him as a formidable foe of Israel.
One of these operations was "Operation Al-Woham al-Mutabadd," executed on June 25, 2006, targeting an Israeli military facility near the eastern border of Rafah in Gaza. This operation led to the capture of the prominent Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Additionally, Muhammad al-Sinwar was directly involved in supervising the 2011 prisoner exchange incident.
Resurrected for Israel
The Zionist occupation regime has dubbed Muhammad al-Sinwar as "resurrected" due to their repeated unsuccessful attempts to eliminate him. Israel has made several assassination endeavors, including an incident on April 11, 2003, when explosives were planted in the wall of his residence in Khan Yunis.
Subsequently, his house was bombed on October 24, 2004, and once more destroyed during an airstrike in the 2014 conflict, with footage of the destruction later released by Israel.
A source of dread for Israel:
His identity remains a mystery, and his rare appearances from the shadows convey a powerful message to the Israeli foe, signifying the theft of their peace and evolving into a figure of terror for the Israeli occupation.
He made his initial televised appearance on Al Jazeera TV's program "Ma Khafi Azam" in 2022, his face obscured. Through brief yet impactful speeches, he not only unveiled his presence but also made a lasting impression.
Israel has repeatedly circulated images and video footage purporting to depict Muhammad al-Sinwar, showcasing him driving through an extensive tunnel in the Gaza Strip. This spectacle struck fear into Israel, unveiling the depth and resilience of the tunnels constructed by Hamas and other resistance factions in Gaza. Despite efforts, Israel has been unable to dismantle this network of tunnels.
Moreover, the notion of detonating the tunnels that the Israeli regime seeks to uncover, with Al-Qassam and other fighters setting off explosions, has resulted in casualties among Israeli forces.
Muhammad al-Sinwar directly oversaw and directed the intricate digging and construction of an underground tunnel network to avert destruction by Israel. Despite over a year and a half of conflict and destruction that nearly decimated Gaza, Israel has failed to eliminate this network, with nearly 70% of the tunnels remaining unscathed.
Israeli intelligence (Mossad) pursuit:
Mohammed al-Sinwar stands as a primary target for the Israeli regime's intelligence agency (Mossad), which has been on a protracted quest to locate him. A substantial reward, amounting to millions of dollars, has been offered in return for any information leading to Mohammed al-Sinwar, ranking as the second individual on Israel's priority list after his brother Yahya al-Sinwar.
Wall Street Journal comments on Mohammed al-Sinwar:
"In the absence of Yahya al-Sinwar, Hamas found another ally in Mohammed al-Sinwar, who has spearheaded the revitalization of Hamas' combat prowess. Leading a recruitment drive targeting the youth, he facilitated a process that restructured and bolstered the ranks of Hamas within the jihadist movement."
Israeli army general, Amir Fifi, remarks: "We find ourselves in a scenario where Hamas' resurgence and restructuring are outpacing their suppression, with Muhammad al-Sinwar at the helm of operations."