Roundup of reactions as Iraqi political figures line up to mourn slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

BAGHDAD— Iraqi officials, political leaders, and armed-group figures have issued statements mourning the death of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas’ political bureau, following his killing by Israeli forces in Gaza. Among those expressing condolences were the Acting Speaker of Parliament, leaders of the Islamic Dawa Party, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, Kata’ib Hezbollah, and other prominent figures, including Hadi al-Amiri and Ammar al-Hakim.

Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces on October 16, during a ground operation in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. Sinwar had been a key figure in Hamas since its early days and played a significant role in its military strategy. He was widely regarded as the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which triggered a new phase in the ongoing conflict. Sinwar’s death marks a substantial blow to Hamas, as he had been a central figure in coordinating its operations and maintaining its ties with external actors like Iran.

Yahya Sinwar was appointed as the leader of Hamas’ political bureau in August 2024, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh. This leadership transition occurred as Hamas sought to bolster its militant wing amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict with Israel. Sinwar, having led Hamas’ military efforts in Gaza since 2017, was seen as a hardline figure deeply committed to armed resistance.

Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, Acting Speaker of Parliament:

“The blood of the martyr leaders proves the greatness of the cause for which they sacrificed their lives in order to support it.

“[The resistance] does not end with the martyrdom of its leaders.”

Islamic Dawa Party, led by Nouri Al-Maliki:

The Islamic Dawa Party, led by Nouri Al-Maliki, issued a statement mourning the death of Sinwar. The statement described Sinwar as a steadfast figure in the struggle, who remained committed to resistance, defending his people with his weapon until the end. The party highlighted that “the Palestinian cause”, despite years of Israeli aggression since 1948, remains alive with successive generations becoming more determined in their fight to defend their land, rights, and holy sites.

Abu Alaa Al-Walae, leader of Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada:

“The martyr brother, Commander Sinwar, never cared about the enemy, whether as a fighter, a prisoner, or in direct confrontation. He went to his Lord, covered in his own blood, leaving behind a rich legacy of leadership that will not allow the flag to fall.”

Qais Al-Khazali, leader of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq:

“We extend the sincerest condolences, adorned with the utmost pride, to the men and leaders of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, to our resilient Palestinian people, and to our great Islamic nation, on the martyrdom of the great resistance leader, Yahya Sinwar.”

Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary General of Kata’ib Hezbollah:

“Based on our understanding of the triumphant Hamas movement, the current generation fighting against the Zionists will be even more devastating in their retaliation. They will not allow the occupiers to enjoy or continue their crimes unchecked.  This stage should be the most punishing for the enemies through unconventional methods, outside the box.”

Hadi Al-Amiri, head of the Badr Organization:

“This martyr, who will continue to be a source of pride for the resistance and defenders of Islamic causes, lived and passed on the path to Jerusalem.”

Ammar Al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement:

“We join our patient and oppressed Palestinian people and the Palestinian resistance movements in mourning the martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas’ political bureau, who was assassinated by the Israeli occupying forces in steadfast Gaza. These criminal practices by the occupation regime are too weak to undermine the determination of the Palestinian people or deter them from continuing their rightful path towards victory for their just cause.”

Khamis Al-Khanjar, leader of the Al Siyada Party:

Khamis al-Khanjar described Sinwar as a martyr who was steadfast in his fight against what was referred to as “the most brutal killing machine and occupation” in human history.

Al-Khanjar stressed that the assassination of Sinwar and other Palestinian leaders will not “halt the Palestinian resistance”, but will instead increase its determination to continue the struggle.