The Killing of Yahya Sinwar, Putting Resistance into Perspective

The recent assassination of Yahya Sinwar إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ , a prominent leader of Hamas, has been lauded by Israel and its allies as a decisive blow against the Palestinian resistance. However, a historical lens reveals that targeting individual leaders seldom dismantles the structural forces of resistance. The Palestinian struggle is not merely a reflection of individual figures like Sinwar; it embodies a broader, universal fight against oppression. The dynamics of occupation and resistance are deeply entrenched, transcending any single individual, yet governments and media often simplify this complex reality.

From a political perspective, it is crucial to recognise that resistance is not synonymous with terrorism, despite how it is often framed by media narratives and political elites. This resistance represents a legitimate struggle for a homeland and dignity against a system that systematically denies the basic rights of Palestinians. The prevailing global narrative, shaped by those in power, tends to categorise all forms of Palestinian resistance as dangerous, conveniently ignoring the reality that millions live under occupation and are compelled to defend their homes.

Resistance, for the West, is often narrowed down to militia activity in the region. However, for thinking, sane, and distinguished minds, resistance lies not just with armed groups, but in the very fabric of personal tragedies endured by the Palestinian people. The son who lost his father in a blast is resistance; the father who has been subjected to rape by an animal is resistance; the mother who lost her twins even before they could be registered as being born is resistance; the men who were stripped naked and paraded in the streets of Gaza are resistance; Shaban, who was burned alive while his family sought retribution, is resistance; Raheem’s grandfather is resistance; and the families mourning journalists killed due to Zionist actions are resistance. Every soul in Palestine seeking retribution for their suffering and demanding justice embodies resistance. Thus, Israel and the United States are failing to comprehend resistance on two fronts: first, they do not understand its true nature, shaped by their own politically expedient and warped perspectives; second, they have been grappling with this resistance since the 1900s and have yet to eradicate it. The only way for the US and Israel to rid themselves of resistance is to remove themselves from the Middle East, and only then might resistance diminish.

This pattern is not unique to Palestine; we have observed similar dynamics in other contexts. In Syria, for example, military superiority from Western-backed forces decimated an insurgency armed with little more than small arms. Although a semblance of victory was declared, the Assad regime remains propped up by external powers, revealing that the roots of conflict—poverty, foreign meddling, and the quest for dignity—persist unaddressed.

The assassination of Sinwar, much like those of past Hamas leaders, will not halt the Palestinian resistance, which extends far beyond isolated incidents, such as the events of 7 October. Historical precedents, including the assassinations of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, Salah Shehadeh, Yahya Ayyash, and Abu Ali Mustafa, illustrate that resistance continues unabated despite the loss of individual leaders. This underscores a critical political reality: the struggle for liberation is deeply woven into the fabric of the Palestinian people’s fight for survival.

Furthermore, the notion of resistance within the Palestinian context transcends geographic boundaries; it has evolved into a global movement. It includes not only those armed individuals in Palestine but also individuals and communities worldwide—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—who are mobilising against illegal occupation and advocating for justice. This broader call for resistance reflects a collective moral stance against oppression and a profound solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Despite attempts by Western powers to craft a narrative that frames resistance in a manner beneficial to their geopolitical objectives, this manufactured vocabulary is increasingly being challenged. Rational and honest voices across the globe are rejecting these narratives, acknowledging that the struggle for Palestinian rights is part of a universal fight against injustice.

In this context, it is essential to understand that the resistance is not merely a local phenomenon; it is a global one. This interconnected struggle highlights that the fight for justice in Palestine is part of a broader effort to confront imperialism and colonialism in all its forms.

Just as killing leaders doesn’t end resistance, it will not end US hegemony in the region either. We must remember these actions serve as excuses to further advance the colonial project in the Muslim world. The assassination of Usamah bin Laden serves as a poignant example; despite this high-profile elimination, Pakistan faced a deterioration in its relationship with the US. The US reduced military aid and increased scrutiny on Pakistan, portraying it as a potential threat due to its nuclear capabilities and alleged support for militant groups. There were even threats of sanctions and discussions around recalling any IMF assistance, illustrating that the elimination of a so-called “terrorist” did not alleviate the overarching geopolitical ambitions or oppressive measures imposed by the US.

Modern ceasefires and political solutions promoted by Western powers often serve as strategic colonial manoeuvres designed to maintain the status quo rather than to ensure justice for Palestinians. These approaches are not rooted in the welfare of the Palestinian people but serve broader geopolitical interests. True resistance rejects these narratives, recognising that they merely obscure ongoing oppression and calls for genuine change.

The Palestinian struggle is not solely about leadership figures or episodic violence; it challenges the entire colonial narrative imposed on the region. As long as this fundamental issue remains unaddressed, no assassination or temporary ceasefire will bring about lasting peace. The fight continues, not for terrorism, but for the right to exist freely in one’s homeland, even against overwhelming odds.

The international community must look beyond the labels and narratives propagated by those in power, recognising the legitimate struggle of Palestinians—not only for their land but for their fundamental right to exist in the face of relentless occupation.