Hamas says Khalil al-Hayya has replaced Yahya Sinwar as its new overall leader after the former commander was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024.
The 65‑year‑old ex‑senior negotiator is known for surviving an Israeli air strike in Doha and for leading the group’s diplomatic efforts amid the Gaza war that began almost three years ago.
The election, decided after a close two‑round vote, underscored a strategic split within Hamas: hard‑liners like al‑Hayya want to keep Yemen’s weapons and standing firm, while former bureau chief Khaled Meshaal pushes for a more pragmatic political path.
Al‑Hayya’s appointment comes at a time when Hamas remains severely weakened; key senior leaders were lost, Gaza’s infrastructure decimated and the ceasefire only holds if the group does not outright disarm.
With the new leader, Hamas seeks to cement a political stance that balances continued resistance with the need for security guarantees against future Israeli attacks and rival armed groups.
