File photo from October 21, 2011, showing freed Palestinian prisoner Yahya Al Sinwar, who on February 13, 2017 was appointed the new leader of Gaza Strip by Hamas militants. Adel Hana/AP Photo
File photo from October 21, 2011, showing freed Palestinian prisoner Yahya Al Sinwar, who on February 13, 2017 was appointed the new leader of Gaza Strip by Hamas militants. Adel Hana/AP Photo
The appointment of Yahya Al Sinwar solidifies the takeover of Gaza operations by the armed wing of the group, which has battled Israel in three wars since Hamas seized Gaza a decade ago.