The mind of Yahya Sinwar: What do writings and speeches of new Hamas leader reveal?

By Alireza Akbari

The appointment of Yahya Sinwar as the new political leader of Hamas, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, has hogged headlines across the world, with the focus primarily on his battlefield achievements.

There is another fascinating side to Sinwar that is less spoken about – his intellectual pursuits, his prolific writings and his eloquent oratory, which give a sneak peek into how his mind works.

A closer examination of his writings, speeches and public statements shows the new Hamas leader has a strong and unwavering philosophy of resistance and occupation and how to fight the enemy.

His 2004 autobiographical novel, Thorns and Carnations, offers insight into his mind. In this book, Sinwar explores themes of resistance, resilience, self-reliance, sacrifice, and security through two fictional characters, Ahmad and Ibrahim.

Ahmad’s experiences reflect the harsh realities of life in Palestine, including resistance, martyrdom, and occupation. Ibrahim, on the other hand, represents ideal leadership qualities such as self-made success, personal responsibility, and intellectual freedom.

Sinwar portrays Ibrahim as a figure who not only develops himself but also elevates his community and overcomes political challenges in the struggle for freedom and justice.

In Sinwar’s view, a transcendent individual is someone who, through self-determination and political engagement, shapes his or her identity and values in the given social and political context.

Sinwar, a specialist in Jewish history

During 23 years spent in various Israeli prisons, Sinwar used the opportunity to learn Hebrew, the language spoken by his enemy, and spent a lot of time studying the history of Jews.

“Mr. Sinwar liked to call himself a specialist in Jewish history,” Dr. Bitton, an Israeli dentist who treated Sinwar during his imprisonment, was quoted as saying.

The doctor also noted that Sinwar had memorized the Holy Quran and was able to articulate his organization’s governing principles with a calm and composed demeanor.

According to Dr. Bitton, Sinwar’s motivations appeared to be rooted more in religious convictions.   

Sinwar on consensus and unity

Sinwar has consistently emphasized the importance of consensus and unity among the Palestinian factions to achieve the common goal – liberation from the Israeli occupation.

In a letter he wrote in late December to the leader and members of Hamas’s political bureau, Sinwar praised the Palestinian people as exemplary models of virtues.

His letter also reaffirmed his commitment to "resistance," highlighting the casualties inflicted on the Israeli army by Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades.

In the letter, Sinwar made it clear that he intends to continue delivering “hard strikes” against Israel, vowing not to bow to external pressures or the demands of his adversaries.

Sinwar and principles of resistance

The new Hamas leader has consistently underscored the need for steadfast commitment to the principles of resistance in his public statements, emphasizing that although the path is long, it is the only path toward the liberation of Palestine.

“Hamas will never abandon the path of resistance… Our resistance will continue until the liberation of all of Palestine,” he declared during a speech in Gaza in late October 2017.

Sinwar views resistance not just as a strategy, but as a legitimate and necessary means to confront the Israeli regime. Despite challenges, he firmly believes that resistance is the “only path” to achieving victory.

Sinwar and battle for freedom

As the newly appointed leader of Hamas, Sinwar has always believed that the struggle for freedom will reach its logical end. His conviction and determination have been his foremost traits.

“Palestine is the land of our fathers and grandfathers, and we will never abandon even an inch of it. The battle for the liberation of Palestine is our ultimate goal,” he stated in late May 2021.

Nearly a year later, Sinwar outlined his vision for this liberation, expressing confidence in the eventual triumph of the Palestinian cause.

“Palestine will be liberated through the blood of martyrs and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people,” he said at the time, exuding confidence in the resistance movement.

In late September 2021, Sinwar envisioned a future for Palestine defined by “liberation and return,” rather than “occupation and displacement,” affirming the ongoing resistance until Palestine is free.

At a gathering of Hamas supporters in August 2022, Sinwar described the Palestinian cause as the “central cause,” saying “Every inch of Palestine is sacred to us, and we will never surrender our right to defend our land and our people.”

Sinwar and end of Israeli occupation  

Sinwar has consistently rejected the legitimacy of the Israeli regime, maintaining that Israel’s occupation is temporary and that the Palestinian people will never accept its existence.

This stance has been a recurring theme in his speeches, writings and statements over the years.

In June 2022, Sinwar reiterated the need to fight for and liberate “every inch of Palestine,” emphasizing that the Israeli regime’s occupation is temporary and unacceptable to Palestinians.

He also expressed readiness for “a long battle” to defend the Palestinian people and holy sites during heightened tensions in April 2022, asserting that “Israel understands only the language of force.”

As Haniyeh’s successor, Sinwar is expected to take forward the unfinished mission to its end.

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