Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar, has recently communicated with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah through a rare letter, marking his first public acknowledgment in nearly a year. In this correspondence, Sinwar reaffirms his unwavering commitment to combatting Israel and reinforcing the Iran-backed coalition of regional militants known as the “Axis of Resistance.”
Residing clandestinely in Gaza, Sinwar expressed to Nasrallah that Hamas remains devoted to the path of resistance championed by his late predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh. He emphasized the significance of unity among the Ummah (Islamic nation), centering on the Axis of Resistance as a bulwark against the “Zionist project.”
The letter, disseminated via Hezbollah’s Telegram channel, was intended to convey gratitude for Hezbollah’s ongoing military efforts against Israel, which escalated on October 8—just a day after a Hamas-led incursion prompted a severe Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Sinwar, regarded as one of Israel’s most wanted figures, has not been publicly visible since the onset of the conflict. His recent communications represent a notable shift after a prolonged silence. On Tuesday, he issued his first statement post-war, congratulating Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his electoral success. Subsequently, he sent letters of thanks to those who expressed condolences for Haniyeh’s demise, culminating in his message to Nasrallah on Friday. CNN has not verified the authenticity of these letters.
Analyst Muhammad Shehada noted that Sinwar aims to assert his presence and leadership despite his hidden status. “He seeks to demonstrate that he is operationally engaged, both on the ground in Gaza and within diplomatic spheres,” Shehada remarked.
The intended recipients of Sinwar’s letters include both Israel and internal Hamas constituents, particularly those skeptical of his capacity to lead effectively from his underground hideout. This includes international mediators such as Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.
Following Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran last July, Sinwar ascended to the role of political leader of Hamas. His approach is perceived as more hardline compared to his predecessor, favoring enhanced collaboration with Iran and allied groups like Hezbollah.
Shehada characterized Sinwar as a principal advocate for a robust alliance with Hezbollah and Iran, reinforcing the Axis of Resistance. “He is seen as pragmatic yet unpredictable,” he added.
In his correspondence to Nasrallah, Sinwar pledged to continue safeguarding Islamic holy sites, notably the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, until the “expulsion and eradication of the occupation” is achieved, alongside the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. He described the October 7 attack as “one of the most honorable battles in the history of our Palestinian people.”
