Hamas has launched a secret internal process to elect a new head of its political bureau, replacing the temporary five-member leadership council that has run the terrorist organization since the killing of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024, according to Hamas officials cited by Saudi media.
The election is being conducted under tight secrecy due to fears of Israeli intelligence and the wave of targeted eliminations that has decimated Hamas’ senior leadership. The vote began Saturday and is expected to conclude within the next one to two weeks.
The two leading candidates are Khalil al-Hayya, a close ally of Sinwar who is viewed as aligned with Iran, and former Hamas political chief Khaled Mashaal, who is considered closer to Qatar and Turkey and is seen as favoring a more independent approach toward Tehran.
According to the report, Hamas’ Shura Council members in Gaza overwhelmingly backed al-Hayya, but the final outcome will also include votes from members in the West Bank, abroad, and even several imprisoned Hamas terrorists in Israel who are reportedly casting ballots through covert channels.
Whoever is elected will be responsible for shaping Hamas’ future leadership, including decisions on governance in Gaza, the location of the group’s headquarters, and its relationship with Iran and its regional allies.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)