Arab figures, institutions express condolences over Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) – Prominent Arab figures and institutions on Friday expressed their condolences over Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death, calling the resistance leader a "heroic martyr" and expressing solidarity with Palestinians in the face of Israeli brutal attacks in Gaza.

Political figures, religious authorities, and organizations from different Arab countries paid tribute to Sinwar's legacy and reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian resistance.

On Thursday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Sinwar's killing in Gaza, threatening that "the war is not over yet." The Israeli military later confirmed that his death in Gaza occurred "by chance."

In Iraq, Parliament Speaker Muhsin Al-Mandalawi extended his condolences, emphasizing that “resistance is an unending project despite the martyrdom of leaders.”

Al-Mandalawi mourned Sinwar's death in a statement, describing him as a "heroic martyr" and lauding his dedication to the Palestinian cause.

"Sinwar's pure soul will remain fighting alongside his people and nation until liberation from occupation is achieved," he said.

In Oman, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalili paid tribute to Sinwar in a message posted on his X account. “We received with great pride the news of Yahya Sinwar's martyrdom after a long and honorable journey in holy jihad,” he stated.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah issued a statement extending its condolences to the Palestinian people and Hamas, praising Sinwar “for carrying the torch of leadership from his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, and for his role in resisting American and Israeli occupation.”

In Yemen, the Houthi group also issued a statement, hailing Sinwar as a “great and heroic martyr” whose legacy would fuel further resistance.

“His pure blood will ignite the flames that will burn the Zionists, and his martyrdom will strengthen the resolve of fighters in Palestine to continue on the path of victory,” the group said in a statement.

In Egypt, Al-Azhar University issued a statement honoring “the heroic martyrs of the Palestinian resistance” who had fallen to “criminal Zionist hands.”

Though Sinwar was not explicitly named, the statement condemned Israel for its violence and called for steadfast resistance. “Resisting the occupier and dying for one’s land is a supreme honor,” the university said.

Earlier on Friday, Hamas, through its official Khalil al-Hayya, confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, saying he was a “hero who fought the Israeli forces until his last breath.”

Israel has continued a brutal offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

At least 42,500 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 99,500 injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.