The Palestinian militant group Hamas told AFP that Khalil al-Hayya won the internal leadership vote by a large majority and is expected to assume his new responsibilities next week officially.
Al-Hayya succeeds Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024. Israel accused Sinwar of being one of the main planners of the October 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the current war between Israel and Hamas.
The appointment places one of Hamas’ most experienced political figures at the head of the movement during one of the most difficult periods in its history.
Al-Hayya has played a central role in indirect negotiations with Israel, acting as one of Hamas’ chief representatives in talks aimed at securing ceasefires, prisoner exchanges and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Many of those negotiations have been mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.
A longtime member of Hamas’ political bureau, al-Hayya has been one of the group’s most recognizable public figures, regularly speaking on behalf of the organization and participating in diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators.
His election comes as negotiations over a possible ceasefire and the release of hostages remain ongoing, although repeated rounds of talks have failed to produce a lasting agreement.
Analysts say al-Hayya’s experience in negotiations could influence Hamas’ approach to future discussions, even as the group maintains that its political and military objectives remain unchanged.
The leadership transition also follows months of heavy fighting that have significantly weakened Hamas’ command structure, with Israel claiming to have killed several senior commanders and political leaders since the war began.
Despite those losses, Hamas has continued to reorganize its leadership while maintaining its presence in parts of Gaza.
Israel has not immediately commented on al-Hayya’s election, but Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that they will continue military operations against Hamas until the group is dismantled and all remaining hostages are released.
Al-Hayya now assumes leadership at a time when Gaza remains at the center of one of the world’s most closely watched conflicts, with international efforts continuing to seek a ceasefire and a broader political solution to the war.
