Key facts
- Hamas is nearing the completion of internal elections to choose a new head for its political bureau.
- Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashal are the primary candidates for the leadership position.
- The election follows the deaths of previous leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.
- Khalil al-Hayya has been announced as the new head of the political bureau.
- The current election is for a one-year term, with broader leadership elections to follow.
Hamas is nearing the conclusion of its internal elections, with Khalil al-Hayya emerging as the newly elected head of its political bureau. The announcement follows the deaths of previous leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. Al-Hayya, who previously served as the exiled Gaza leader and headed Hamas's negotiating delegation, will serve out the remainder of the current electoral term ending in 2027. Khaled Mashal was also a contender for the position. The elections aim to restore internal legitimacy and fill leadership gaps within the organization amid ongoing pressures. The process includes an exceptional one-year term for the bureau chief, with full leadership elections planned thereafter. Hamas has also reorganized its Shura Council, its advisory body.