Hamas Leader Sinwar Expresses Gratitude to Hezbollah in Letter to Nasrallah, Reports Reuters

BEIRUT (Reuters) – Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar expressed gratitude to Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah for the support provided by his group in the ongoing conflict with Israel. This marks the first public acknowledgment since Sinwar took over as Hamas leader in August.

Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has been conducting operations against Israel for nearly a year, parallel to the war in Gaza. The group claims its military actions are intended to bolster the Palestinian cause.

"Your blessed actions have demonstrated your solidarity on the fronts of the Axis of Resistance, supporting and engaging in the battle," Sinwar stated to Nasrallah, as reported by Hezbollah’s al-Manar broadcaster.

Since the October 7 attacks, Sinwar has kept a low profile, with many believing he is directing Hamas’s military strategy from underground tunnels in Gaza. This week alone, he is reported to have sent two letters, including one congratulating Algerian President Abdulmadjid Tebboune on his reelection.

Hezbollah stands out as a leading faction within the Iranian-backed coalition known as the Axis of Resistance, which has also launched attacks in support of Hamas from Yemen and Iraq during the Gaza conflict.

During the initial stages of the war, former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal expressed some frustration about Hezbollah’s level of engagement, acknowledging the group’s support but also indicating a need for more robust involvement.

Over the past year, Israeli forces have reportedly killed approximately 500 Hezbollah fighters, including high-ranking commander Fuad Shukr. These losses surpass those suffered by Hezbollah during its 2006 conflict with Israel. Hezbollah has claimed it had no prior knowledge of the October 7 attack that Sinwar was involved in planning.

Sinwar also expressed appreciation to Nasrallah for a message of condolence regarding the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the former Hamas leader who was killed in Tehran in July, a death widely thought to have been orchestrated by Israeli forces.

The violence along the Lebanese-Israeli border has resulted in tens of thousands of people fleeing from both sides. The threat of further escalation remains a pressing concern.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that Israeli forces are nearing the completion of their mission in Gaza and will soon shift their focus toward the Lebanon border.

Israeli officials have stated a preference for resolving the conflict through negotiations that would push Hezbollah away from the border, while Hezbollah has vowed to continue its fight as long as the war in Gaza persists.