Hamas announced on Monday, July 20, that it has elected Khalil Al-Hayya as its new overall leader. The appointment follows a wartime election process to fill the vacancy left by Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in combat with Israeli forces in October 2024.
A veteran leader and former member of the group's five-member leadership council, Al-Hayya has been at the heart of ceasefire talks throughout the war. He served as the chief negotiator with Israel and the Trump administration, spearheading indirect negotiations in an effort to halt the conflict in Gaza.
The Gaza-born leader is considered a close affiliate of Iran. Hamas chose Al-Hayya to lead its executive body over a competitor who was more favored by Sunni Arab nations.