Regional Resistance Movements Mourn Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

The Islamic Resistance Movement in Palestine, Hamas, and its allies across the Arab and Islamic world are mourning the martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas’ political bureau and commander of Operation al-Aqsa Flood, whose martyrdom marks a profound moment for the Axis of Resistance, whose leaders have praised Sinwar’s sacrifices and leadership.

Hezbollah

Hezbollah extended its condolences to the Palestinian people, the Islamic Resistance Movement, and the broader Arab and Islamic nations. The Lebanese Resistance movement emphasized the significance of Sinwar’s leadership, particularly his role in continuing the legacy of resistance inherited from Ismail Haniyeh.

Hezbollah noted that Sinwar led the battle against the American and Zionist projects, ultimately offering his blood and life for the cause, achieving martyrdom and the highest honor in the resistance. “This great martyr […] leaves behind a legacy of Resistance that will guide future generations of fighters and defenders of Palestine.”

In its statement, Hezbollah reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and the Resistance, expressing confidence in divine victory for those who stand firm. The Resistance movement emphasized that Sinwar’s martyrdom would only strengthen the resolve of the Resistance, encouraging steadfastness and hope among fighters and leaders. “His blood, along with the blood of martyrs from Palestine and Lebanon, will continue to light the path toward victory and liberation.”

Al-Qassam Brigades

Similarly, the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, lauded the martyrdom of Sinwar. “Our commander Yahya Sinwar, who led with courage and wisdom, now ascends to the highest ranks of martyrdom, his blood fueling the revolution until the final liberation.”

Al-Qassam highlighted his bravery in leading the Resistance in Gaza, where he ascended in combat, defending al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, emphasizing the pride they take in offering their leaders before their soldiers, with Sinwar leading from the front in the face of Israeli aggression.

Sinwar’s journey as a Resistance leader was described as one of immense sacrifice, dedication, and relentless pursuit of Palestinian liberation, the al-Qassam Brigades said.

He was a founding member of Hamas and its military and security structures, and he endured more than two decades of imprisonment in Israeli jails. His release in the Loyalty of the Free prisoner swap deal only further fueled his commitment to the cause, as he resumed his leadership roles in Gaza and beyond, culminating in his command during Operation al-Aqsa Flood, the statement added.

Under his leadership, Hamas saw significant advancements in its military, political, and strategic efforts, including the unification of Resistance fronts in the struggle for al-Quds. After the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Sinwar took charge of the movement both inside and outside of Gaza, the statement concluded.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also extended its condolences, praising the Palestinian leader. The movement honored him as a towering figure of the Palestinian national struggle and the leader of Hamas’s political bureau.

Sinwar’s life was marked by his tireless dedication to the Resistance, whether in prison, on the battlefield, or in the leadership of his people. His commitment to al-Quds and the al-Aqsa Mosque remained central throughout his years of service, culminating in Operation al-Aqsa Flood.

Islamic Jihad underscored that Sinwar’s martyrdom, like that of other key figures such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Fathi Shaqaqi, and Ismail Haniyeh, would only strengthen the Resistance. “The martyrdom of Commander Yahya Sinwar will only increase the Resistance in Palestine and the region in strength, resilience, and determination.”

The group reaffirmed that the Palestinian people’s resolve would remain unshaken and that the fight to end the Zionist occupation would continue. The martyrdom of leaders like Sinwar, they emphasized, would only accelerate “Israel’s” defeat. “We are confident that this martyrdom will fuel our people’s determination to achieve victory and defeat the aggression.”

Al-Nakhalah

Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Secretary General of the PIJ, issued a statement lamenting the loss of a great leader who never hesitated to lead from the front. “He fought on the frontlines, never wavering in his commitment to our cause, and his sacrifice is a badge of honor for all of Palestine.”

He described Sinwar as a pivotal figure in the history of Palestinian Resistance, noting that his role in Operation al-Aqsa Flood would forever stand as a testament to his courage and sacrifice. “The martyrdom of Commander Yahya Sinwar is a pivotal moment in Palestinian history, marking a new chapter of resistance and steadfastness,” he said.

Al-Nakhalah emphasized that the Palestinian people and the resistance would carry on Sinwar’s legacy, honoring his memory by continuing the fight for Jerusalem and Palestine.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, the military wing of Fatah, also expressed their condolences, hailing Sinwar as a heroic leader and former prisoner who dedicated his life to resisting the Israeli occupation. They highlighted his pivotal role in confronting Israeli forces on the frontlines and his commitment to humiliating and undermining the Zionist regime.

The Brigades reaffirmed their rejection of Israel’s policy of targeted assassinations, stating that such tactics would not break the Palestinian people’s determination to achieve their national rights.

“The policy of assassinations against our leaders and fighters will not break the will of our people to attain their national rights,” the Resistance movement said.

They emphasized that the martyrdom of Sinwar and other leaders serves as an inspiration, motivating further unity in the pursuit of independence and the establishment of a Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital. The group also called on the Palestinian people to strengthen their resilience, stand together against the occupation, and reject any attempts to divide Gaza, the West Bank, and al-Quds, stressing the importance of maintaining unity in these critical times.

“We derive from the martyrdom of heroic leaders the motivation to continue on the path of struggle and national unity until the final victory,” the statement concluded.

PFLP

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) also paid tribute to Sinwar, describing him as a national hero and a symbol of Palestinian resistance. “The martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar, the heroic commander, immortalizes him in the memory of the nation as an undefeated leader,” the statement read.

In a statement issued by its General Secretary and his deputy, the PFLP mourned the loss of a steadfast fighter who never retreated in his defense of the Palestinian cause. Sinwar’s leadership of the Operation al-Aqsa Flood and the Battle of Seif al-Quds cemented his legacy as a symbol of unwavering resistance against the Zionist occupation, the PFLP added.

The Resistance movement highlighted that Sinwar’s life of sacrifice and leadership had left an indelible mark on Palestine and the broader Arab world. His martyrdom in Rafah, alongside fellow fighters, immortalized him as a leader who not only commanded but also fought on the frontlines. His unyielding stance and resistance to oppression, even during his long imprisonment, made him a symbol of strength and determination in the struggle for Palestinian liberation, “embodying the unity of the struggle against the occupation.”

Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades

The Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military wing of the PFLP, echoed this sentiment, honoring Sinwar as a fearless warrior who gave his life in the heat of battle.

They described his final moments, fighting in Rafah, as a testament to his lifelong commitment to the Palestinian cause and the defense of Arab dignity. Despite the deep pain of his loss, the Brigades vowed to continue on the path of resistance, affirming that Sinwar’s sacrifice would fuel their determination to liberate Palestine “from the river to the sea and reclaim all occupied Arab lands.”

DFLP

Similarly, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) issued a statement lauding Sinwar’s dedication to his people and his unwavering leadership in the face of Israeli aggression. “He remained faithful to his people and their dignity, rejecting surrender and compromise, and kept the banner of resistance high until the last moment,” the statement read.

The DFLP emphasized that Sinwar’s refusal to surrender or compromise, even in his final moments, embodied the spirit of resistance, underlining that Sinwar, “The great national leader, was a man of action who earned his place at the helm of the al-Aqsa Flood and among the world’s freedom fighters.”

Mujahideen movement

The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement and its military wing, the Mujahideen Brigades, praised Sinwar, describing him as a steadfast national leader and fighter. The statement emphasized his heroic sacrifice during a direct confrontation with Israeli forces in Rafah, Gaza, where he was martyred.

“Today, we bid farewell to Commander Yahya Sinwar, who embodied courage, sacrifice, and heroism, after a long journey of resistance against the Zionist occupation,” the movement stressed.

The Mujahideen Movement lauded Sinwar for embodying the spirit of courage and selflessness, having dedicated his life to resisting the Israeli occupation and defending the rights of the Palestinian people. His martyrdom in Operation al-Aqsa Flood was seen as part of the larger struggle for al-Quds and the liberation of Palestine.

They honored Sinwar alongside other notable martyrs, including Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Ismail Haniyeh, Fathi Shaqaqi, and Abu Ali Mustafa, whose blood, they said, lit the path toward victory and freedom. They also underlined that “the martyrdom of our leaders and the cowardly Zionist assassinations will only strengthen our resolve and determination to continue the path of resistance until every inch of our land is liberated.”

Hamas announces Sinwar’s martyrdom

Islamic Resistance movement Hamas announced Friday the martyrdom of its Political Bureau chief and commander of Operation al-Aqsa Flood, Yahya Sinwar.

Hamas mourned Sinwar as a national leader and a distinguished freedom fighter, noting that he attained martyrdom while engaging in combat, standing firm on the frontlines, and confronting Israeli forces.

In a statement, Hamas paid tribute to Sinwar, describing him as one of the most honorable and courageous men who dedicated his life to the Palestinian cause and sacrificed his soul for the liberation of Palestine. “He believed in God, and God was truthful with him, choosing him as a martyr alongside his brothers who preceded him,” Hamas’ statement said.

“We mourn the great national leader, freedom fighter and martyr Yahya Sinwar (Abu Ibrahim), the head of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), and the commander of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. He rose as a brave martyr, advancing and not retreating, with his weapon in hand, confronting the occupation army on the frontlines. He moved between combat positions, steadfast and firm on the land of Gaza, defending the soil of Palestine and its holy sites, inspiring resilience, patience, and the spirit of resistance,” the statement read.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who became the leader of the movement’s Political Bureau in August following the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh, was martyred on Wednesday during confrontations with the Israeli occupation forces.

Sinwar, contrary to the Israeli claims that he was hiding in tunnels and using captives as human shields, was in a house with several other fighters, himself donning military attire, including a vest, grenades, ammunition, and an assault rifle.

He was confronting Israeli forces in Rafah’s Tel al-Sultan refugee camp, firing at them, engaging them, and tossing grenades at them to halt their advance. As he succeeded, the Israeli occupation forces backed away and fired a tank shell at the house he was sheltering himself in as part of the ongoing confrontation. 

They then sent a drone to inspect the area, and he could be seen severely wounded, covered in dust, and donning the Palestinian koufiyyeh to conceal his identity. With nothing but a stick in hand, sitting on a sofa, he attempted to throw it at the Israeli drone, which then backed away before the house he was in was bombarded once again, leading to his martyrdom. He died as a warrior, holding on until the very last breath.