Doha/Gaza: The Palestinian movement Hamas has announced the election of Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who the group says was killed during an Israeli military operation in October 2024.
In an official statement, Hamas said al-Hayya secured victory in the second phase of the movement’s internal leadership elections. He previously served as Hamas’ deputy chairman and was also a member of the organization’s five-member leadership council established to oversee its affairs during the ongoing conflict.
Al-Hayya emerged as one of Hamas’ most prominent political figures following the deaths of senior leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, military commander Mohammed Deif, and political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in 2024. Following those developments, Hamas formed a five-member leadership council to manage the group’s political and organizational affairs.
Born in Gaza in 1960, Khalil al-Hayya has been associated with Hamas since its establishment in 1987. In recent years, he has primarily been based in Qatar, where he played a key role in diplomatic contacts and indirect negotiations involving Israel, Egypt, the United States, and other mediators, particularly on ceasefire and prisoner exchange efforts.
As head of Hamas’ negotiating delegation, al-Hayya has represented the movement in several rounds of indirect ceasefire talks concerning the conflict in Gaza. His diplomatic role has made him one of Hamas’ most recognizable political representatives outside the Palestinian territories.
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Hamas also highlighted the personal losses suffered by al-Hayya during the conflict. According to the group, during the 2014 Gaza war, an Israeli airstrike killed his eldest son Osama, his daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Hamas further stated that in September last year, another Israeli strike on a residential complex in Doha killed his son Hammam along with four other people.
Israel has repeatedly stated that its military operations target Hamas leadership and infrastructure, while Hamas and Palestinian officials say Israeli strikes have caused significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
The appointment of Khalil al-Hayya comes at a time of continued conflict and diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
