Hamas elects lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya as new political bureau chief

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has announced the election of Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau. Al-Hayya, who has served as the group's lead negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, succeeds Yahya al-Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.

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The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announces the election of brother mujahid Khalil al-Hayya as head of the movement’s political bureau, succeeding the martyred leader Yahya al-Sinwar.

According to a Hamas statement, al-Hayya was elected by an "overwhelming majority." He defeated veteran leader Khaled Meshaal in the leadership contest. A senior Hamas official told AFP that al-Hayya is expected to formally assume the role next week.

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Khalil al-Hayya was elected by an overwhelming majority.

The election process was described as highly complex and secretive due to the prevailing security situation and the assassination of several leaders by Israeli forces. Representatives from Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, have declared their full support for al-Hayya.

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The political bureau will meet in Istanbul within days to form committees and begin restructuring Hamas’s leadership bodies.

The political bureau is scheduled to convene in Istanbul within days to establish committees and begin restructuring Hamas's leadership bodies. The current five-member leadership council will be dissolved, with its members submitting their resignations to the group's Shura Council.

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The election process was conducted through a highly complex and secretive mechanism because of the difficult security situation and the occupation’s assassination of several political and military leaders.