Hamas Names Khalil al-Hayya New Leader
Hamas has chosen Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader. He won a vote of Hamas's top council.
He defeated former leader Khaled Meshaal. Al-Hayya is expected to formally take the role next week.
He replaces Yahya Sinwar. Israeli forces killed Sinwar in Gaza in 2024.
Since then a five-person group had run Hamas. Al-Hayya lives in Qatar.
He was Hamas's lead negotiator with Israel and the Trump administration during the Gaza war. Reports say al-Hayya survived an Israeli attack in Doha, Qatar in September 2025.
That strike reportedly killed one of his sons and his chief of staff. He has lost several family members to Israeli strikes over the years.
This reportedly includes four children. Analysts say his election shows Hamas still supports armed struggle. They also say it shows resistance to disarming under Trump's ceasefire plan.
Key Terms 3
- Hamas Armed group that governs parts of Gaza and has fought Israel.
- Shura Council Hamas's top decision-making group of leaders.
- ceasefire plan A deal meant to stop fighting between Israel and Hamas.