Hamas announces it has elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader, naming him head of the group’s political bureau and replacing Yahya Sinwar, who is reported killed by Israeli forces in October 2024. Multiple outlets cite Hamas statements saying Hayya takes over after Sinwar’s death, and that the election follows a period in which Hamas leadership operated through a five-member council headed by Mohammed Darwish. Several reports also note that Sinwar succeeded earlier Hamas leadership, after the July 2024 killing of Ismail Haniyeh.

Al-Hayya is described as a senior Hamas figure and a leading negotiator involved in indirect ceasefire talks with Israel. Reports say he has been based abroad, including in Qatar, and had previously survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha in September 2025 in which his son was killed. Sources also describe him as a veteran of Hamas’s political wing and highlight his perceived connections with Iran. After his election, Hamas officials say Hayya is expected to formally assume the role next week and that the political bureau will meet to restructure its leadership bodies, with representation from Hamas’s armed wing declaring support.