Hamas elects new leader amid Gaza's deepening crisis

Khalil al-Hayya has been elected the new leader of Hamas, the terror group announced Monday, following months of speculation. This development is seen as a signal that the group is entrenching its ties with Iran and continuing consultations with Hezbollah, according to an overview of the current situation in the Gaza Strip.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, head of the Atlantic Council's Realign for Palestine project, shared insights into the dire conditions on the ground in Gaza. He highlighted an increase in diseases such as chickenpox, attributed to extreme unsanitary conditions and a lack of vaccinations. Economic challenges are also severe, with efforts to allow residents to open bank accounts hampered by the lack of funds and the deteriorating state of paper currency.

Alkhatib also discussed his new short book, "Hamas and its Two Million Hostages." The work, described as part memoir and part explainer, aims to provide an accessible perspective on the ongoing conflict and how Hamas's control over the people in Gaza is tightening. The discussion also touched upon the intensity of support for Hamas across different population centers, including the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority, and Jordan.

The podcast episode, "What Matters Now," features Alkhatib discussing these critical issues, offering an overview of the conditions and the political landscape. The conversation explores the challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the broader implications of Hamas's leadership and influence.

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Hamas still holds two million hostages