Hamas wants to elect a new leader after Sinwar's death

According to well-informed sources, the radical Hamas movement is set to elect a new leader this month following the death of Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israel in 2024. The election will be held by secret ballot in the 50-member Shura Council, which includes representatives from the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, and the Palestinian exile community.

The main favorites are Khalil Hajja (Hamas' chief negotiator) and former movement leader Khalid Mishal. Both live in Qatar and are members of the five-member council that has been temporarily leading Hamas since Sinwar's death. According to reports, Israel also killed Sinwar's predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, during a visit to Iran in 2024.

Hamas has been weakened by the war following the attack on October 7, 2023, and faces international calls for disarmament.

(reuters, pir)