DOHA: Hamas announced Monday that it has elected Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of its political group, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in 2024.
In a statement, the Palestinian Islamist movement said al-Hayya will assume leadership of its political bureau following an internal election process.
Al-Hayya has served as Hamas’ lead negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks with Israel and has long been a senior figure within the organization.
Born in Gaza in 1960, al-Hayya has been a member of Hamas since the group’s founding in 1987. He rose to greater prominence after the deaths of several senior Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar and military commander Mohammed Deif.
His appointment comes as Hamas faces continued military pressure and diplomatic efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
Analysts say the leadership change is expected to influence the group’s political direction and negotiations in the months ahead.
More read, Hamas announces dissolution of Gaza governing body
Earlier, Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced Monday the dissolution of the body that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, clearing the way for a technocratic committee to implement civilian rule.
The move marks a significant political shift by Hamas, which has run Gaza since its fighters seized control from rival Palestinian movement Fatah in 2007 after winning legislative elections the previous year.
Since a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect in Gaza last October, Hamas has repeatedly said it is willing to step away from governing the territory on a day-to-day basis. However, the issue of the group’s disarmament remains unresolved.
