Hamas hardliner chosen as its new leader in Gaza

Yehiyeh Sinwar is a top member of the group’s secretive military wing

File image of Hamas leader Yehiyeh Sinwar. File photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters

Mon Feb 13 2017 - 22:01

A top member of Hamas's armed wing has been chosen as its new leader in the Gaza Strip, a senior Hamas official said.

Yehiyeh Sinwar, a senior commander who was freed by Israel in a 2011 prisoner swap, is considered one of the most hardline figures in the Islamic militant group.

Sinwar replaces Ismail Haniyeh, who was prime minister of Hamas’s government in Gaza after the militant group overran the territory in 2007.

Since his release by Israel, Sinwar has built up his power in the secretive military wing and is believed to have ordered the execution of a top rival last year in a power struggle.