Politico Slammed For Cavalier Blurb On New Hamas Leader: ‘What’s Next? 30 Under 30: Terrorist Edition’

Alex GriffingAug 7th, 2024, 3:00 pm
 
FILE - Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas in Gaza, chairs a meeting with leaders of Palestinian factions at his office in Gaza City, Wednesday, April 13, 2022. The Hamas officials are accused by the ICC of planning and instigating eight war crimes and crimes against humanity, among them extermination, murder, taking hostages, rape and torture.

AP Photo/Adel Hana, File

Politico received a bevy of criticism Wednesday for how it covered Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the brutal October 7th attack, taking over Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Politico’s National Security Daily round-up on Tuesday evening was titled, “Fatigue and frustration could hinder Israel’s attack response,” and primarily focused on the looming Iranian attack on Israel. However, toward the end of the roundup under the sub-headline “Transitions,” the report read:

— YAHYA SINWAR will assume leadership of Hamas in the wake of Haniyeh’s assassination, the militant group announced today. Sinwar previously led Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas, of course, is designated by the U.S. and many other countries as a terrorist organization for its intentional targeting of civilians and Sinwar has long been considered one of the group’s most extreme and violent members. CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski screenshotted the article and shared it online with the caption, “POLITICO writes about this guy taking over Hamas like he got a promotion in the lobby shop at Covington.”

“POLITICO highlighting new Hamas leader like he just got promoted to senior manager at Deloitte. What’s next? 30 under 30: Terrorist edition,” quipped a political account associated with the Log Cabin Republicans.

The JTA’s Ron Kampeas joked, “But does he get a birthday shout out?” – referring to the birthday announcements in the daily Politico Playbook.

Wednesday’s Politico Playbook also covered the news of Sinwar taking over Hamas, writing, “Meanwhile, YAHYA SINWAR was elevated to become Hamas’ political leader, a step up for the Gaza chieftain accused of leading the Oct. 7 attack that killed nearly 1,200 people. Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN said the change just confirms that the decision on whether to come to a cease-fire deal really is in Sinwar’s hands, per Bloomberg.”

Below are some additional replies to Politico’s initial report on Sinwar:


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Alex Griffing - Senior Editor

Alex Griffing is a Senior Editor at Mediaite. Send tips via email: alexanderg@mediaite.com. Follow him on Twitter: @alexgriffing