Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of October 7 attacks, chosen as new Hamas leader

Yahya Sinwar has been in deep hiding since the October 7 attacks (Adel Hana/AP/PA)

Palestinian militant group Hamas has chosen Yahya Sinwar, its top official in Gaza who masterminded the October 7 attacks in Israel, as its new leader.

The choice of Mr Sinwar, a secretive figure who leads Hamas’ hardliners and is close to Iran, was a defiant step.