Hamas names Khalil al-Hayya as new leader, succeeding Yahya Sinwar

Jul 20, 2026

Hamas has elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader to succeed Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024. Al-Hayya, a prominent diplomat and Hamas's chief ceasefire negotiator, won a run-off vote against Khaled Meshaal. Widely viewed as a hardline figure closely aligned with Iran, al-Hayya has survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts, though four of his children have been killed in Israeli strikes over the years.

Khalil al-Hayya elected leader

▪Khalil al-Hayya won the leadership election in a run-off vote against former political leader Khaled Meshaal after an inconclusive first round.
▪Under Hamas rules, a candidate must secure at least 36 votes from the 69-member electoral college to be elected outright.
▪Hamas elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader, succeeding Yahya Sinwar who was killed by the Israeli military in October 2024.

Hamas leadership losses 2024

▪Khalil al-Hayya rose in importance following the 2024 killings of top Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh.
▪Following leadership losses, Khalil al-Hayya became one of five members steering Hamas's temporary leadership council formed in late 2024.

Gaza ceasefire negotiation role

▪Khalil al-Hayya led Hamas's delegation when a ceasefire agreement was reached with Israel in October 2025.
▪Khalil al-Hayya served as Hamas's chief negotiator during indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, meeting mediators in Egypt and Qatar.

Israeli assassination attempts

▪Khalil al-Hayya has survived at least two assassination attempts by Israeli forces.
▪In September 2025, Khalil al-Hayya survived an Israeli air strike targeting a meeting of Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar.

Al-Hayya family casualties

▪An Israeli strike in September 2025 in Doha killed five people, including Khalil al-Hayya's son Humam.
▪Four of Khalil al-Hayya's children have been killed by Israeli military attacks over the years.

Israeli regional election reactions

▪The election of Khalil al-Hayya reflects a strategic divide, with his supporters arguing that Gaza-based leadership should lead the movement.
▪Israeli observers describe Khalil al-Hayya as a hawk who is closer to Iran than to Arab governments or Turkey.