Yahya Sinwar: an evaluation
JVL Introduction
Any attempt today to understand Hamas is likely to be met with cries of giving succour to terrorists.
Khaled Hroub, author of the 2006 study Hamas: A Beginner’s Guide, shows how important it is to resist such moral blackmail, as he goes behind the image of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar projected by Western politicians and their media.
In order to “balance out some of the villainous depictions in western reports” Hroub draws on a key press conference Sinwar held on 26 May 2021, after an 11-day confrontation with Israel. Although almost a month old, his assessment deserves wider circulation.
Hroub cites Sinwar’s actual words on many key questions: the priority of peaceful and popular resistance over military action; the betrayal of Palestinians by American and western governments; and the potential for a long-term truce with Israel and comprehensive peace in the region.
Spurned by Israel, alas, with the outcome clear in Israel’s never-ending war of vengeance on the Palestinians.
RK
This article was originally published by Middle East Eye on Mon 21 Oct 2024. Read the original here.
'Greetings to the free people of the world': Yahya Sinwar in his own words
The late Hamas chief’s statements are indicative of a sophisticated leader, contradicting the superficial and villainous image presented by western media
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He died in combat. With his right arm shattered, he still managed to find a stick and, as a final act of resistance, threw it at an Israeli drone as he sat in the chair. The Zionists believe the death of Yahya Sinwar was a blow against Hamas and the struggle for Palestinian liberation. On the contrary, the nature of his death and his leadership, has reaffirmed the steadfastness and determination of the resistance and amongst many Palestinians and their supporters. The body may have died, but you can’t kill the spirit, which lives on.