Hamas Appoints Khalil al-Hayya as New Leader

Hamas has announced that Khalil al-Hayya, who previously served as the group's leader in exile and chief negotiator, has been appointed its new overall leader. He succeeds Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces during fighting in the Gaza Strip in 2024.

In recent months, al-Hayya has emerged as one of Hamas's most influential figures, particularly after the deaths of Sinwar and former political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran in July 2024.

According to Hamas, al-Hayya played a central role in ceasefire negotiations and in coordinating the group's leadership from abroad.

He was also among the Hamas leaders targeted by Israel during an operation in Doha, Qatar, in 2025.

His appointment signals Hamas's effort to maintain continuity in its leadership despite the loss of several senior figures during the war with Israel.

(Reuters, MJA)