Hamas has officially appointed Khalil al-Hayya as the new chairman of its political bureau. Hayya, who previously served as the primary negotiator for the group during indirect truce discussions with Israel, steps into the role following the death of Yahya al-Sinwar. Israeli military forces killed al-Sinwar last year, identifying him as a key figure behind the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Following al-Sinwar’s death, a temporary five-person council led by Mohammed Darwish managed the organization. This council is now set to be dissolved as Hayya takes office. Born in 1960, Hayya was the target of an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha last year, which resulted in the death of his son.
A senior official confirmed that Hayya secured the position with a significant majority, defeating long-time leader Khaled Meshaal. The group plans to convene in Istanbul shortly to establish new committees and reorganize its leadership structure. Despite the security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, the group’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, has officially pledged its support to the new leader.
