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New Delhi : Hamas has announced Khalil al-Hayya as its new political leader, marking a significant leadership transition within the militant group following the death of former chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in an Israeli military operation in October 2024.
Al-Hayya was reportedly chosen through Hamas’ internal election process, defeating former political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal. His appointment ends a prolonged period in which the group was led collectively by a five-member leadership council after the deaths of several senior Hamas figures.
A veteran member of Hamas since its establishment in 1987, al-Hayya has long been one of the group’s most influential political leaders. He previously headed Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza and served as the organisation’s chief negotiator during indirect ceasefire and hostage-release talks related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Following the deaths of Yahya Sinwar and former Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, al-Hayya played a central role in shaping the group’s political strategy. He has publicly stated that the October 7, 2023, attack was intended to capture Israeli soldiers for a potential prisoner exchange, while also saying the operation sought to bring renewed international attention to the Palestinian issue.
Academically, al-Hayya holds a bachelor’s degree from the Islamic University of Gaza and later earned a master’s degree and PhD in Hadith studies from the University of Jordan. He has represented Gaza City in the Palestinian Legislative Council since 2006.
Although he has at times expressed support for ceasefire negotiations, al-Hayya has consistently maintained that Hamas seeks the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders. During the conflict, he reportedly lost several family members, including his wife and son, in Israeli strikes, and is also said to have survived an alleged assassination attempt in Doha in 2025.
His appointment comes at a crucial time as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues and international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire remain ongoing.
