Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Khalil al-Hayya Elected New Hamas Leader
Khalil al-Hayya, a long-time negotiator for Hamas, has been elected as the new leader of the group.
He was chosen by a wide margin and will succeed Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces.
Al-Hayya has been a key figure in Hamas, involved in various negotiations and political roles.
He has survived multiple Israeli strikes and has been a prominent figure in the group's leadership.
His election comes after a complex and secretive process due to the security situation.
Hamas's armed wing has declared full support for him, and he is expected to take up his role formally next week.
Khalil al-Hayya elected as the new leader of Hamas, succeeding Yahya Sinwar.
Al-Hayya won by a wide margin in a run-off against former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal.
He has been a key negotiator for Hamas, involved in ceasefire talks and reconciliation efforts.
Al-Hayya has survived multiple Israeli strikes, including one in Doha that killed his son.
He is expected to formally take up his role next week, with Hamas's political bureau meeting in Istanbul to restructure leadership.
- Who
- Khalil al-Hayya, the newly elected leader of Hamas
- What
- Election of Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of Hamas's political bureau
- When
- October 2025
- Where
- Gaza Strip and international locations
- Why
- To succeed Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024
Hamas Leadership
Israeli Government
Role of Hamas
Hamas Leadership
Hamas aims to resist Israeli occupation and achieve Palestinian statehood through armed struggle and political negotiations.
Israeli Government
Israel views Hamas as a terrorist organization and seeks to eliminate its leadership and military capabilities.
Ceasefire Negotiations
Hamas Leadership
Hamas sees ceasefire negotiations as a strategic move to achieve long-term goals and maintain resistance.
Israeli Government
Israel views ceasefire negotiations as a temporary measure to halt immediate threats while continuing to target Hamas.
- Name
- Khalil al-Hayya
- Birth Year
- 1960
- Birthplace
- Gaza Strip
- Education
- Doctorate in Hadith and Islamic Sciences
- Previous Role
- Deputy Chairman of Hamas's Political Bureau in Gaza
- Election Date
- October 2025
- Predecessor
- Yahya Sinwar
- Key Negotiations
- US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025