Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Hamas to Elect New Leader Amid Challenges
Hamas, a group that has been fighting with Israel, is choosing a new leader.
Two men, Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal, are the top choices.
The old leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israel.
Hamas is having a hard time because of a long war, many people have been hurt, and other countries want them to give up their weapons.
The new leader will have to deal with these big problems.
The election is happening soon, and the group is hoping to pick someone who can help them move forward.
Hamas is expected to elect a new leader this month, with Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal as frontrunners.
The election is being conducted by Hamas’ Shoura Council, a 50-member body including members from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and exile.
Hamas faces significant challenges, including disarmament demands, Gaza reconstruction, and international pressure.
The previous leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israel in 2024, and a deputy leader is also being elected to replace Saleh Al-Arouri, who was killed in 2024.
Hamas has refused to disarm, stating that the matter is for wider debate among Palestinian factions.
- Who
- Hamas is electing a new leader, with Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal as frontrunners.
- What
- Hamas is holding elections for a new leader and deputy leader.
- When
- The election is expected to take place this month.
- Where
- The election is being conducted by Hamas’ Shoura Council, which includes members from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and exile.
- Why
- The role has been vacant since Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israel in 2024, and Hamas faces significant challenges, including disarmament demands and Gaza reconstruction.
- Current Frontrunners
- Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal
- Election Body
- Hamas’ Shoura Council (50 members)
- Previous Leader
- Yahya Sinwar (killed by Israel in 2024)
- Key Challenges
- Disarmament demands, Gaza reconstruction, international pressure
- Hamas Designation
- Terrorist organization by Western powers
- Gaza Casualties
- Over 71,000 people killed (Gaza health authorities)
- October 7 Attack
- 1,200 killed, 251 abducted in Israel
- Ceasefire Status
- U.S.-brokered ceasefire in October 2023