In the aftermath of Yahya Sinwar's assassination, Hamas' choice of new leadership will indicate whether the group is prepared to shift to pragmatism or remain hawkish, and if it is beginning to fragment. Meanwhile, Israel's government will face renewed political pressure to reach a cease-fire with Hamas, which will manifest in more substantial protests and strikes across the country. On Oct. 17, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in a combat operation outside Rafah in the Gaza Strip the previous day. Sinwar's identity was confirmed through DNA testing. Sinwar had been on the run from Israeli forces since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel, and Israeli forces reportedly stumbled upon him in a fighting position on Oct. 16. The Palestinian militant group reportedly has begun taking steps within its political bureau to elect new leadership in the...
