Hamas has named Khalil al-Hayya as its new head of the political bureau, ending a prolonged interim arrangement that began after Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024.

The appointment places one of Hamas’s most senior political figures and its key negotiator in indirect ceasefire and hostage-release talks at the top of the movement’s hierarchy.

Al-Hayya won an internal ballot and replaced Sinwar, whose death left Hamas under the control of a five-member leadership council.

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The die is cast in Hamas’s inner circle

The leadership contest pitted al-Hayya against former Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal, with al-Hayya emerging victorious in a run-off.

NDTV quoted a senior Hamas official as saying that al-Hayya was elected by an “overwhelming majority” and is expected to formally assume the role next week, while the political bureau is due to meet in Istanbul within days to begin restructuring Hamas’s leadership bodies.

The same official said the current five-member council would be dissolved and its members would submit resignations to the Shura Council.

Years in the wings, now centre stage

Al-Hayya’s rise reflects the steady consolidation of his role over the past two years.

Born in Gaza in 1960, he has been associated with Hamas since its early years and later became one of the group’s most visible figures outside the enclave, particularly after moving to Qatar.

Al-Hayya was previously one of the five members of Hamas’s leadership council after Sinwar’s death. He had become especially prominent on the diplomatic front because of his base in Doha, which has served as a hub for mediation with Israel, Egypt, and the United States.

He is a veteran Hamas official and the group’s chief negotiator in Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release talks.

Survival before succession

His personal life has been heavily affected by the conflict. At least two assassination attempts have been made against him.

Israeli officials had identified him among senior Hamas leaders targeted in a strike in Doha in 2025, though he survived. One of his sons was killed in the strike.

The broader leadership change comes amid continued war and repeated losses among Hamas’s senior ranks, including Sinwar and former political chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran in July 2024.

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FAQs

Q1: Who is Khalil al-Hayya?

Khalil al-Hayya is a senior Hamas leader and the group’s chief negotiator in indirect ceasefire and hostage-release talks, who has now been elected as head of its political bureau.

Q2: Why did Hamas appoint a new leader?

Hamas elected a new leader after the death of Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024.