Latest news in the Middle East: Hamas leader confirmed dead; Israeli army releases video of his ‘last moments’ | World News

By Alistair Bunkall, Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem

The assassination of Yahya Sinwar settled Israel’s scores and brought some justice to the Israelis, but it also raised many questions about the future of the war and Hamas as an organization.

Here are some of them:

1. Sinwar will be replaced, but by whom?

Most of Hamas’ senior leaders in Gaza have already been eliminated. The obvious successor would likely be his brother, Mohammed Sinwar, if he is still alive.

But he doesn’t have the authority or following of his brother, so can he, or another leader, hold the group together?

2. What does this mean for the remaining hostages?

Sinwar was Hamas’ point man in Gaza. Until his successor is named, it is unclear with whom negotiators will be able to deal.

3. Did Sinwar leave instructions for handling the hostages in the event of his death?

Will Hamas seek revenge for the murder of its leader?

4. How crucial has Sinwar’s role in coordinating Hamas been in recent months?

The group was already quite fragmented and has become more so in recent months.

To what extent did he retain his day-to-day tactical leadership or was he a hidden, fugitive figurehead?

5. Will Hamas’s remaining fighters be inspired by his death to continue fighting Israel, or will some of the more moderate members see this as an opportunity to step back?

6. Where does this leave the Hamas leadership abroad, in Qatar and Turkey? What influence do they retain, and do they still have influence over the organization in Gaza?

The answer to some or all of the questions will have a significant influence on the future course of the war.