Hamas has officially appointed Khalil Al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau, stepping into the role previously held by Yahya Al-Sinwar. Al-Hayya, who has served as the group’s primary negotiator during ceasefire discussions, secured his position following an internal election where he defeated veteran leader Khaled Meshaal. According to Hamas officials, the transition is expected to be finalized next week as the organization prepares to overhaul its leadership structure during an upcoming meeting in Istanbul.

The appointment process was shrouded in secrecy due to the ongoing security challenges and the recent string of targeted Israeli strikes against senior Hamas figures. Before this formal transition, a five-member leadership council led by Mohammed Darwish had been overseeing the group's operations. With Al-Hayya’s appointment now confirmed, the interim council is set to dissolve, and the group’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, has already signaled its full support for the new leadership as it seeks to reorganize its administrative and political committees.