Hamas names Khalil al-Hayya as new head of political bureau
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has announced the election of Khalil al-Hayya, who served as chief negotiator for the Gaza-based group during the Israeli genocidal war against the besieged coastal territory, as the new head of its political bureau.
Hayya, a former deputy chairman of the Palestinian group, won an internal ballot in a run-off against former Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal, Hamas said in a statement on Monday.
Hamas emphasized that the election was not “a mere procedural detail, but a confirmation that the resistance group is a movement governed by its institutions and shura (consultation), and bound by its systems and regulations.”
It reiterated its commitment to democratic practices even under the most challenging conditions.
Hayya is the first person appointed to the position since his predecessor Yahya Sinwar was martyred in October 2024 while fighting a group of Israeli soldiers who came upon him by chance.
He said in a televised address at the time that the 62-year-old leader was “steadfast, brave and intrepid” and “sacrificed his life to the cause of our liberation.”
“He met his end standing brave, with his head held high, holding his firearm, firing until the last breath, until the last moment of his life,” Hayya told the Hamas-affiliated al-Aqsa TV back then.
“Since his early days, he was engaged in his struggle as a resistant fighter. He stood defiant behind Israeli bars, and after his release in a swap deal, he continued with his struggle and his dedication to the cause.”
Hayya added that Sinwar’s “martyrdom” and leaders who preceded him “will only increase the strength and resilience of our movement.”
Sinwar was appointed head of the Hamas political bureau in August 2024, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in an Israeli strike on his residence in the Iranian capital Tehran.
Palestinians characterize the Gaza ceasefire agreement as an “illusion” due to the persistent Israeli military actions, such as shelling, incursions, and the ongoing blockade of crossings, allowing only minimal aid to enter, which has intensified the humanitarian crisis in the coastal region.
According to the latest figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement have killed at least 1,127 Palestinians and wounded more than 3,643 others.
The agreement was reached after two years of a genocidal war launched by Israel on October 7, 2023.
The onslaught has continued in various forms, claiming the lives of over 73,000 people and leaving more than 173,000 wounded, while wreaking havoc on 90% of civilian infrastructure.
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