The Gaza Strip is Hamas’ most important area of activity. Sinwar is a former member of the group’s militant wing who spent over two decades in an Israeli prison after being convicted of murdering two Israelis. The Hamas leadership race comes ahead of Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled in May and July. Tuesday’s election also could have deep repercussions on Hamas’ dealings with Israel as well as other regional powers. The group’s supreme leader is Ismail Haniyeh, a former Gaza leader who has lived in exile in Qatar and Turkey for the past two years.

Source: Egypt Independent March 09, 2021 20:03 UTC