Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar to be its new political leader and replace former chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Haniyeh was assassinated by Israel last week in the Iranian capital of Tehran. The move sparked ire from both Hamas and the Iranian government but also left a critical vacancy in the Hamas hierarchy.
That role – which includes decision-making for the terror group – will now be fulfilled by Sinwar, who is notoriously known as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack on Israel which started the Gaza war.
The West responded to the news with some skepticism regarding the chances of a ceasefire deal. President Joe Biden spoke with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, expressing urgency in bringing the process to a close as soon as possible.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also responded to Sinwar’s ascendency by putting the responsibility of a ceasefire on his shoulders.