Hamas names Khalil al-Hayya as new chief after Yahya Sinwar's killing

Hamas has named Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, formally replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed during fighting with Israeli forces in October 2024, according to a statement by the Palestinian militant group cited by Reuters on Monday.

Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader and the group's chief negotiator in Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release talks, was elected as the movement's new chief through Hamas's internal elections. He had previously headed Hamas's political bureau in Gaza and has emerged as one of the group's most influential figures since the deaths of Sinwar and former political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran in July 2024.

Following Sinwar's death, Hamas had been led by a five-member leadership council for the past two years, with al-Hayya playing a central role in the group's decision-making.

Born and raised in the Gaza Strip, al-Hayya left the territory for Qatar shortly before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. He has since been primarily based in Doha, where he has represented Hamas in indirect negotiations aimed at securing ceasefires and hostage exchanges.

According to Reuters, Israeli officials said al-Hayya was among senior Hamas figures targeted in an Israeli strike in Doha in 2025, though he survived the attack.

His appointment comes as the war in Gaza continues to reshape Hamas's leadership structure following the deaths of several senior figures during the conflict with Israel.

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