Khalil Al-Hayya Named Hamas’ New Political Chief

Photo: Collected

Palestinian group Hamas has announced Khalil Al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in an Israeli military operation in Gaza in October 2024.

Al-Hayya's influence within Hamas has grown significantly following the deaths of several senior leaders over the past year, including former political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, and military commander Mohammed Deif. With the group's top leadership depleted, Al-Hayya is expected to lead Hamas' political wing as it navigates the ongoing conflict.

Born in the Gaza Strip in 1960, Al-Hayya has been closely associated with Hamas since its establishment in 1987. A veteran political figure with nearly four decades of experience, he now assumes the group's top political role at a time when Gaza continues to face intense fighting and a deepening humanitarian crisis.