Hamas has appointed Khalil al-Hayya, its Qatar-based chief negotiator, as its new overall leader, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024. The leadership transition comes as the Palestinian armed group navigates what is described as one of its most challenging periods.
The war in Gaza has severely weakened Hamas, leading to the deaths of much of its senior military and political leadership, dismantling its governing structures, and causing widespread destruction in the Palestinian territory. The ongoing conflict has also exposed significant strategic divisions within the organization regarding its future direction.
Two main factions have emerged in the leadership contest. One faction, associated with former long-time leader Meshaal, advocates for a more pragmatic political approach, learning from the war and shifting away from a strategy solely focused on armed confrontation, while preserving core objectives. The other faction, supporting Hayya and representing the Gaza-based leadership, argues that those who have directly experienced the conflict should now lead the movement. This group emphasizes maintaining a firm stance against concessions, particularly on disarmament.
Hamas has refused to disarm without guaranteed political progress toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood, rejecting plans that prioritize immediate demilitarization over reconstruction. The group has also expressed concerns about security guarantees against continuing Israeli attacks and the emergence of rival armed groups.
The current conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale military operation in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory, more than 73,280 Palestinians have been killed, including 1,158 since a ceasefire began.