Hamas names news chief — Khalil al-Hayya to succeed Yahya Sinwar killed in October 2024 Israeli strikes

Hamas has elected senior leader Khalil al-Hayya as its new chief, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024.

(FILES) Khalil al-Hayya, senior leader and top Hamas legislative candidate, smiles during an interview with AFP at his office in Gaza City on April 21, 2021. (Photo by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP)

FP News Desk|Jul 20, 2026, 18:04:07 IST

Hamas on Monday announced the election of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya as its new chief, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024.

Al-Hayya, who previously served as the group's deputy chairman, secured the top post after defeating former Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal in an internal run-off vote, according to a statement issued by the Palestinian militant group.

Al-Hayya succeeds Yahya Sinwar

Al-Hayya takes over the leadership of Hamas following the death of Sinwar, who was killed during fighting with Israeli forces as the war in Gaza continued.

The group's exiled Gaza chief and chief negotiator, Al-Hayya has emerged as one of Hamas' most influential figures since the deaths of Sinwar and former political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran in July 2024.

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