By: Prof. Dr. Mohsen Mohammad Saleh.
The loss of Hamas with the assassination of its leader and head of its political bureau, Isma‘il Haniyyah, was undeniably significant and far-reaching. Haniyyah possessed a blend of qualities, including strong faith, educational and behavioral skills, leadership and organizational abilities, political acumen, and public speaking prowess. These attributes positioned him not only at the forefront of his movement but also as a prominent figure among the Palestinian people and the broader Ummah (Muslim nation).
In this article, we present eight key observations in the wake of this defining moment:
First: Haniyyah is a staunch advocate of the Islamic project for Palestine, with a unique ability to articulate it in a moderate, civilized and unifying manner, aligning it harmoniously with the national and humanitarian dimensions of the Palestine issue.
His political discourse was marked by clear and inclusive language, emphasizing common ground, accommodating differences, and aiming to unify efforts and resources in the conflict with Israel rather than in internal conflicts.
Second: His flexible, open-minded, relaxed, and easy-going nature, along with his natural modesty, good listening skills, and ever-present smile.
Third: His leadership style was notably fatherly, characterized by his efforts to accommodate everyone, avoid angering anyone, forgive missteps and tolerate criticism. Despite assuming the roles of Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, leader of the Gaza Strip (GS), and head of Hamas, his approachable and unpretentious nature remained unchanged. He continued to embody the concerns of the people, maintaining his humble roots from al-Shati’ Refugee Camp until his assassination.
Fourth: Haniyyah aimed to achieve genuine national unity, end the Palestinian division, and overcome the obstacles in his way. He actively contributed to the Mecca Agreement in 2007 and headed the National Unity Government that emerged from it. He also played a role in the Cairo Reconciliation Agreement in 2011 and, in 2014, relinquished the premiership under al-Shati’ Agreement to facilitate the formation of a National Unity Government led by someone else. During his leadership in the summer of 2020 and early 2021, Hamas made further concessions, including refraining from activating the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) before the elections, dropping the requirement for simultaneous elections, leaving decree issuance to ‘Abbas, and tolerating ‘Abbas’s failure to convene the Interim Leadership Framework. Eventually, everyone realized that the core issue was ‘Abbas and his team’s obstruction of the reform and reconstruction process.
Fifth: Haniyyah’s personality has been widely embraced by the Palestinian people, factions and leaders. In recent years, he has consistently led public opinion polls in the West Bank (WB) and GS, positioning him as a strong contender in the Palestinian presidential elections against Mahmud ‘Abbas. According to the latest opinion poll published by the Palestinian Center for Survey and Policy Research (based in Ramallah and conducted in cooperation with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung) in June 2024, Haniyyah received 76% of the vote compared to 20% for ‘Abbas.
Sixth: His personality is well-regarded on the Arab, Muslim and international levels. He has successfully cultivated strong relationships with political leaders in Qatar, Turkey and Iran. His persona has earned respect and admiration from official leaders in many countries, including those with differing political and ideological views on Hamas. Haniyyah is held in high esteem among Islamic movements and has garnered the respect and appreciation of various national, nationalist, leftist and other political and reformist movements.
Seventh: Haniyyah skillfully led Hamas during Operation al-Aqsa Flood. He effectively managed its political relations and negotiation efforts, demonstrating the movement’s strength, status and capability to advance the Palestinian national project, resistance and liberation efforts. Haniyyah provided crucial support for the military operations, balancing steadfast adherence to principles and the aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom and independence with the flexibility needed to address tactical aspects and interests. His efforts aimed to halt aggression against GS, ensure enemy withdrawal, secure a dignified prisoner exchange, and pave the way for lifting the siege and reconstruction of GS. He maintained constant coordination and communication with his colleagues leading military and civilian efforts in GS, including his comrade Yahya al-Sinwar.
Eighth: Haniyyah carved out a special place in the hearts and minds of the Palestinian people, living among them and sharing their suffering, sacrifices, and aspirations. Despite his mandatory presence outside GS due to the nature of his work and duties, and issues related to his freedom of movement, most of his family who remained in the Strip endured the same hardships as the rest of the population and faced deliberate attacks from the occupation. More than 60 members of his family were killed, including three of his children and several of his grandchildren. He received the news of their martyrdom with composure, patience and resilience, remaining steadfast in his commitment to the resistance until his assassination.
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Finally, the death of Haniyyah is undoubtedly a significant loss for Hamas, Palestine and the Ummah. However, history has demonstrated that such assassinations do not weaken the movement; rather, they often strengthen, popularize and enhance its credibility. With its established institutional and consultative structures, as well as its extensive network of skilled individuals both domestically and internationally, Hamas has demonstrated its capability to continue progressing and achieving further.
As for Haniyyah himself, his funeral prayers were attended by an estimated 700 million people worldwide, marking it as the largest of its kind in recorded history. Figures like him leave a lasting legacy, serving as sources of inspiration not only for their immediate communities but also for their nations, liberation movements, and humanity at large.
Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies and Consultations, 12/8/2024
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