Ayatollah Khamenei: Sinwar was a ‘shining figure of resistance, struggle’

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for his significant role in confronting the “aggressive enemy,” describing him as a “shining figure” of resistance and struggle.

In a message on Saturday, a day after Sinwar’s martyrdom was confirmed by Hamas, Ayatollah Khamenei extended his condolences to his family, comrades, and all those devoted to jihad for the sake of God.

“He was a shining figure of resistance and struggle. With a will of steel, he stood firm against the oppressive and aggressive enemy,” he wrote.

“With wisdom and courage, he struck it (the enemy) hard, leaving behind the irreversible blow of October 7 in the history of this region. And then, with dignity and pride, he ascended to the heavens of the martyrs.”

The Leader also emphasized the unwavering trajectory of the “resistance front,” stating that it remains unstoppable despite the martyrdom of its “prominent figures.”

“Someone like [Sinwar], who spent a lifetime fighting against the usurping and oppressive enemy, deserves no end other than martyrdom. His loss is certainly painful for the resistance front, but this front did not stop advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Fat’hi Shaqaqi, [Abdel Aziz] Rantisi, and Ismail Haniyeh, and it will not slow down in the slightest with the martyrdom of Sinwar, God willing. Hamas is alive and will remain alive,” he said, referring to Hamas leaders all assassinated by Israel.

He reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s commitment to supporting the resistance fighters, adding, “As always, we will stand by the mujahideen and sincere fighters, with God’s success and assistance.”

Hamas confirmed on Friday that Sinwar was martyred in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza’s Rafah city.

Sinwar served as chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau since the Israeli regime assassinated Ismail Haniyeh in July.