Hamas announced on Monday that Khalil al-Hayya has been elected as the group’s new political bureau chief. He succeeds Yahya al-Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last year.
Al-Hayya previously served as Hamas’s lead negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks with Israel. The group confirmed his appointment in an official statement.
Al-Hayya Wins Leadership Election
According to Hamas, al-Hayya secured an overwhelming majority in the leadership vote. Consequently, he defeated former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal for the movement’s top political position.
A senior Hamas official said al-Hayya is expected to formally assume office next week. Meanwhile, the political bureau will meet in Istanbul to reorganise the group’s leadership structure.
Officials also announced that the current five-member leadership council will be dissolved. Its members are expected to submit their resignations to Hamas’s Shura Council.
Leadership Restructuring Follows Sinwar’s Death
Yahya al-Sinwar had led Hamas before his death in Gaza. Israel accused him of being among the principal planners of the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Following his death, a five-member leadership council headed by Mohammed Darwish temporarily managed the organisation. However, Hamas has now moved to appoint a permanent political leader.
Born in 1960, al-Hayya survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha last year. Nevertheless, one of his sons was killed during the strike.
A Hamas source said the election followed a highly secretive process because of security concerns. Furthermore, the source cited the killings of several political and military leaders during the conflict.
Representatives of Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, also expressed full support for al-Hayya’s leadership.
