Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli forces yesterday in southern Gaza

Sinwar the Hamas leader was orchestrated in October 2023 assault on Israel and eluded capture for more than a year

Sinwar the Hamas leader was orchestrated in October 2023 assault on Israel and eluded capture for more than a year

Sinwar, 61, had spent two decades in Israeli prisons before returning to Gaza and emerging as its top leader

Sinwar's death now leaves a power vacuum at the helm of Hamas, raising questions about who will step in to fill the void during this crucial phase of the Gaza war

Several high-ranking Hamas figures, all with long histories of militant operations and political maneuvering, are potential successors

Here's a look at the figures who may lead Hamas:

Mahmoud al-Zahar, one of Hamas's founding members is a frontrunner to succeed Sinwar

Another potential successor is Yahya Sinwar's brother, Mohammed Sinwar

Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior member of Hamas's political bureau, is another possible contender

Mohammed Deif, the elusive commander of Hamas's military wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades

Khalil al-Hayya is a prominent figure within Hamas's political bureau, currently based in Qatar

Khaled Mashal, who led Hamas for over a decade from 2006 until 2017, remains a respected figure within the group