Hamas’ decision to name Yahya Sinwar, a long-time military hardliner, as its new political chief will centre the group’s decision-making in embattled Gaza, shore up the group’s ties with its primary backer Iran, and leave the prospects for a desperately needed ceasefire uncertain, political analysts have told The New Arab. Sinwar’s appointment comes as Israel’s ten-month bombardment of Gaza threatens to spill into an even bloodier regional conflict. Events reached a fever pitch after the Israeli assassination of Sinwar’s predecessor Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on 31 July. Iran has threatened to “…