The Times of Israel reports that Khalil al-Hayya, who served as Hamas's lead negotiator in Gaza talks, has been elected head of the terror group's political bureau. The report confirms earlier announcements by Hamas. Al-Hayya replaces Yahya Sinwar and inherits a leadership role amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and internal power struggles.
The Times of Israel has confirmed the election of Khalil al-Hayya as Hamas's political bureau chief, citing sources within the organization. The report, published at 14:22 Jerusalem, independently corroborates earlier announcements by Hamas, marking the first Israeli media verification of the leadership change.
As The Zioneer reported at 14:10 Jerusalem, Hamas initially announced al-Hayya's election with a direct warning to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Eyal Zamir. However, the official Hamas statement, issued at 14:11 Jerusalem, confirmed the election but omitted the warning, according to The Zioneer's subsequent report. Earlier, at 14:04 Jerusalem, initial reports of the announcement had circulated. The sequence indicates the warning was part of an initial communication but later removed from the official version.
As The Zioneer reported on July 16, Hamas was set for a second round of leadership vote between al-Hayya and Khaled Mashal, suggesting a contested internal process. Al-Hayya has been a central figure in U.S.-mediated disarmament talks, with The Zioneer reporting on June 29 and June 30 that he had met with senior Trump administration officials to discuss terms. Reports also highlighted the growing influence of the pro-Iranian camp within Hamas, which al-Hayya is associated with.
The exact circumstances of the warning's inclusion and subsequent omission remain unclear. It is not known whether the warning was deliberately removed to soften the message or was part of a separate communication. The implications for ongoing ceasefire negotiations, in which al-Hayya served as lead negotiator, are yet to be determined.
7 developments
- StrongHamas publishes photo of Muhammad Ra'fat Salama alongside former leader Yahya Sinwar
- StrongSaudi report: Hamas held internal elections in Istanbul, continuation expected in Turkey
- DevelopingHamas Set for Second Round of Leadership Vote Between Mashal and Al-Hayya
- StrongDaniel Amram: Hamas holds elections for Sinwar successor, security prisoners vote from prison
Source and signal
- Internal intake