The leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, was killed in a battle between Israel and militants in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Sinwar, the architect of the October 7 attacks, was a top target for Israel. After months of pursuit, he was gravely wounded by tank fire, sitting alone in a ruined apartment, according to drone footage released by the Israeli military.
U.S. officials and members of Congress from both parties seized on Sinwar’s death to push a wider geopolitical agenda.
Sinwar had been described as an obstacle to a ceasefire in Gaza. However, U.S. officials see his demise as an opportunity for Israel’s security and regional peace. Lawmakers aim to impose policies linking the reconstruction of Gaza to geopolitical deals, potentially creating a U.S.-Gulf regime neo-colony in Gaza.
Biden’s Legacy
President Biden’s team has been pushing for a deal with Saudi Arabia, seen as crucial to his legacy. U.S. officials were close to finalizing an agreement before the Hamas attacks. Just after the October 7 attacks, a strategy for the Middle East was outlined, indicating close ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.