Yahya Sinwar declares Hamas’ readiness for a long war with Israel

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has reiterated the group's readiness to sustain a long war against Israel, emphasising their preparedness for an extended conflict nearly a year into the Gaza war.

Sinwar, who recently replaced Ismail Haniyeh after his death in the ongoing fighting, stressed that Hamas, with the support of Iran-backed regional allies, is equipped to wage a protracted war of attrition.

In Gaza, deadly clashes continued as Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least two dozen people. The strikes occurred amidst intensifying tensions, with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warning that the chances of halting fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon were dwindling, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Medics in Gaza reported widespread devastation, with strikes hitting residential areas, including a refugee camp where families were caught in the crossfire.

Sinwar’s message also underscored the broader regional dynamics, indicating that Hamas is coordinating with Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen to challenge Israel's military and political resolve.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, with over 41,000 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. However, the figures do not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, leaving the true human toll unclear.

Israel has also been facing increased scrutiny from the international community. UN rights experts have warned that Israel's actions in Gaza could lead to further international isolation. They have called on Western nations to ensure accountability for the ongoing violence.

Meanwhile, Spain, which recently joined other European countries in formally recognising the State of Palestine, is preparing to host Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas for discussions. Abbas, who holds limited influence in Gaza, is expected to meet with Spanish leaders before addressing the UN General Assembly in New York.

Tensions are also escalating along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah has engaged in near-daily cross-border exchanges with Israeli forces in a show of support for Hamas.

Israeli Defence Minister Gallant has warned that the prospects for a ceasefire with Hezbollah are slim, as the militant group continues to align itself with Hamas. This growing entanglement of regional actors threatens to push the conflict beyond Gaza’s borders, increasing the likelihood of a broader war in the Middle East.

Despite efforts to weaken Hamas, including statements by Israeli officials claiming that the group no longer exists as a military force in Gaza, Hamas continues to demonstrate its capacity to fight.

Senior Hamas leaders have stressed that the group is actively recruiting new fighters to replace those lost in battle, indicating that they are preparing for a long-term conflict. Hamas’ persistence, coupled with its regional alliances, suggests that the war is unlikely to end soon, and the humanitarian toll on both sides continues to mount.

The conflict, which began on 7 October following a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has caused widespread casualties. Over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in the initial attack, and Hamas also captured 251 hostages, with 97 still held in Gaza.