GAZA: Hamas named Yahya Sinwar as its new political leader on Tuesday following the assassination of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran last week.

The announcement heightened regional tensions, as the group's militant wing launched rockets towards Israel shortly after.

Israel and officials accuse Sinwar of planning the October 7 attack that killed 1,198 people and involved the capture of 251 hostages.

Israel's military response has resulted in 39,653 deaths in Gaza.

Iran and Hamas attribute Haniyeh's assassination to Israel, which has declined to comment.