Among all the assassinations, Israel might have created a new hero in Yahya Sinwar’s person

I see on Tiktok several promotional videos. He was killed while fighting to the last moment. Israeli soldiers released initial footage probably to humiliate him, but the narrative is built quickly to transform him into a hero.  He did not have a broad appeal, but he may have had one gradually. But probably for a new generation of militants, it is a myth-making process now. In the long run, I assume his appeal may become bigger than Nasrallah, or he will be forgotten after the initial hype. We will also see how the history unfolds.

Here is what Perplexity compiled about him:

1. Limited broad appeal: Sinwar is a controversial figure, known for his militant stance and involvement in violent activities. His leadership of Hamas and role in planning attacks against civilians would likely prevent him from being seen as a hero by many outside of Hamas supporters.

2. Potential martyrdom narrative: Within Hamas and among some Palestinians, Sinwar’s death could be framed as martyrdom, potentially boosting his status among supporters. However, this would likely be limited to those already sympathetic to Hamas’s cause.

3. Complicated legacy: Sinwar’s long history with Hamas, including his time in Israeli prisons and rise through the organization’s ranks, means his death would be significant for the group. However, his reputation for ruthlessness and involvement in internal power struggles may temper how he is remembered even within Hamas.

4. Impact on conflict dynamics: His assassination could potentially escalate tensions and violence in the region, but this would be more due to the strategic implications rather than Sinwar himself becoming a rallying symbol.

5. Comparison to other leaders: Unlike figures such as Yasser Arafat or even Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Sinwar lacks the broader Palestinian or international recognition that might lead to widespread heroic status after death.

6. Ongoing conflict context: The current intense conflict in Gaza means that Sinwar’s death, while significant, may be overshadowed by the broader humanitarian crisis and ongoing violence.

Citations:
1. Wikipedia – Yahya Sinwar
2. The New York Times – Yahya Sinwar: Hamas Leader
3. Binghamton University – Assassination of Political Leaders Connected to Increase in Social Conflict
4. The Conversation – Heroes and American Politics
5. BPAC – What Defines Good Political Leadership?
6. The Economic Times – 10 Major Political Assassinations That Shook the World
7. West Point CTC – The Causes and Impact of Political Assassinations
8. Al Jazeera – Who Is Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh’s Successor as Hamas Chief?
9. Anadolu Agency – Yahya Sinwar: From Israeli Prisons to Leading Hamas Amid Gaza Genocide
10. Anadolu Agency – Assassinations That Changed the Course of History
11. PBS – Who Is Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar?
12. Britannica – Yahya Sinwar

How was he killed? 

Based on the search results, here’s how Yahya Sinwar was killed:

1. Chance encounter: Sinwar was killed during an unexpected encounter with Israeli forces, not as part of a planned operation specifically targeting him[1][2][4].

– An Israeli army patrol from the 828th Bislamach Brigade (a training unit) was conducting routine searches in the area[4][5].
– They spotted a small group of fighters, including Sinwar, moving between buildings[4].
– The patrol engaged the group, killing three fighters initially[4].

1. Drone surveillance: The Israeli forces used drones to track the fighters’ positions[4].

– Sinwar retreated into a damaged structure[4].
– A drone was deployed to follow him inside the building[4].
– Sinwar, who was injured and resting in a damaged armchair, reportedly threw a stick at the drone[4].

1. Fatal strike:

– The building was then shelled by tanks and missiles[4].
– Some reports specifically mention that a tank launched a shell at the building where Sinwar was located[5].

1. Aftermath:

– Sinwar’s body remained in the area for some time due to concerns about potential booby traps[4][5].
– Eventually, his remains were taken to a laboratory in Israel, where his identity was confirmed through dental records and fingerprints from his time in Israeli prison[4].

It’s worth noting that Sinwar was found with a flak jacket and a gun, but there were no hostages present, contrary to earlier speculation that he might be using them as human shields[5].

Citations:
1. BBC – Analysis: Aftermath of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar’s Killing
2. CNN – What Yahya Sinwar’s Death Means for Gaza and the Hamas Leadership
3. The Conversation – What the Killing of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Could Mean for the Middle East: Expert Q&A
4. Al Jazeera – How Was Yahya Sinwar Killed? What We Know So Far
5. BBC – What We Know About Yahya Sinwar’s Death

Killing of Yahya Sinwar

The Israeli mythmaking of Yahya Sinwar