How will Khalil al-Hayya's past shape Hamas' future? - analysis

Khalil al-Hayya, a figure from Hamas's original generation, has reportedly stepped into the role of the group's political bureau chief, succeeding Yahya Sinwar. Born in Gaza in 1960, Hayya joined Hamas at its founding in 1987 and has a history that includes a three-year prison term in Israel during the 1990s.

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Senior Hamas official Hayya, targeted with others in an Israeli operation in Doha on Tuesday.

Before the October 7, 2023, events, Hayya was already a significant figure within Hamas, serving as deputy to Sinwar. He left Gaza prior to that date and was in Doha, Qatar, where he was reportedly targeted in an Israeli airstrike in September 2025. At the time, reports indicated he was leading the group's negotiations.

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Hamas's six-man leadership targeted in Doha by Israel.

Hayya's continued presence abroad, particularly in Doha, is seen as significant. It allows Hamas to maintain an opaque leadership style that benefits its ability to remain influential. By having leaders based outside Gaza, the group can claim to have relinquished governance while still wielding power behind the scenes. Hayya is expected to be central to this strategy.

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Hayya's past includes a three-year stint in an Israeli prison, and he has survived multiple attempts on his life. These assassination attempts led to the death of nineteen of his family members. Currently, Hayya resides in Qatar.

Since the death of Ismail Haniyeh, Hayya has been widely viewed as Hamas's most influential figure operating internationally. He is part of a five-man leadership council that has guided Hamas since Sinwar's demise. Hayya himself has claimed Israel has been attempting to assassinate him since at least 2007, and Palestinian media has amplified this assertion. He has also reportedly lost several close relatives, including his eldest son, to Israeli strikes.

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Hayya has been widely seen as Hamas' most influential figure abroad since Haniyeh's death.