Hamas announced on Monday that it has elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader nearly two years after its previous leader was killed. File Photo courtesy Al-Aqsa TV | License Photo
July 20 (UPI) -- Hamas announced Monday that it has elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader nearly two years after its previous leader was killed.
Khaled Meshal, a former Hamas leader, contended with al-Hayya for the role. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' last overall leader, was killed by the Israeli military in 2024, leaving the top leadership position vacant for nearly two years.
The 65-year-old al-Hayya was a deputy for Sinwar when he led the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. He has since served as Hamas' chief negotiator.
Al-Hayya has been a key figure in Hamas' negotiations for a cease-fire with Israel, meeting with mediators in Egypt and Qatar for indirect talks with Israel.
