PLO Mourns the Death of Hamas Leader Sinwar

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The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), led by Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, expressed its condolences on the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, referring to him as a “great national leader” and describing his death as a martyrdom. Sinwar, a key figure in orchestrating Hamas’s activities, was killed during the ongoing conflict with Israel. The PLO urged Palestinian national unity in light of his death, as messages of mourning poured in from various factions within the organization.

 

Among those extending condolences were members of the PLO’s constituent groups, including Abbas’s secular Fatah party. In a statement, Fatah condemned Israel’s actions, saying, “Israel’s killing and will not succeed in breaking the will of our people.” Several left-wing PLO factions, such as the Palestinian National Initiative and the Palestinian Democratic Union, also expressed grief, despite historically opposing armed struggle against Israel.

 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan similarly offered condolences to Hamas representatives in talks on Friday, mourning the death of Sinwar. The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement following the discussions, further highlighting the diplomatic ties between Hamas and Turkey during the ongoing Gaza conflict.

 

Sinwar’s death was confirmed by Hamas earlier on Friday. The terror group vowed that they would not release hostages unless Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza and halted their military operations. In light of Sinwar’s pivotal role in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, massacres, Abbas has expressed criticism of Hamas, accusing the group of providing Israel with “even more excuses and reasons to attack in the Gaza Strip.” However, despite his critique, Abbas has refrained from outright condemnation of Hamas’s actions.

 

Israel has consistently accused Abbas and the PA of glorifying terrorism by honoring terrorists as “martyrs” and financially supporting the families of slain terrorists and those jailed for terror-related activities. This has further strained relations between the PA and Israel, as accusations of incitement through the Palestinian education system persist. Fatah has, on multiple occasions, praised the actions of Palestinian terrorists, with senior Fatah officials at times offering support to Hamas and its violent campaigns against Israelis.

 

As the conflict continues, Abbas has suggested that the PA is willing to assume control of Gaza following Hamas’s removal from power. However, his condition remains the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. International leaders, including those from the United States, have advocated for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take control of Gaza in the post-Hamas era, as efforts to stabilize the region intensify.

 

Based on a report from the Barrons & TOI 2024-10-19