Hamas has named Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader after a run-off with Khaled Meshaal. Al-Hayya replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Hamas named Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader.
- Al-Hayya prevailed in a run-off with Khaled Meshaal.
- He is Hamas's Qatar-based chief negotiator.
- He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024.
Hamas has named Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader, according to reports from Al Jazeera and the BBC. The announcement followed a run-off with Khaled Meshaal, a veteran figure within the Palestinian armed group.
Al-Hayya is described by the BBC as the group’s Qatar-based chief negotiator. His appointment places a figure closely associated with negotiations at the top of Hamas’s leadership.
He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024, according to the BBC. Sinwar had been a central figure in the group before his death.
Al Jazeera reported the development as breaking news, noting that al-Hayya was chosen after the run-off with Meshaal. Both outlets confirmed the leadership change on 20 July 2026.
The reports did not provide further details about the timing of al-Hayya’s assumption of the role or the internal process behind the selection beyond the run-off with Meshaal.
Why it matters
The leadership of Hamas is closely watched given the group's central role in the ongoing conflict and negotiations in the region. Naming a chief negotiator as overall leader could carry implications for how the group approaches future talks.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Khalil al-Hayya?
According to the BBC, Khalil al-Hayya is Hamas's Qatar-based chief negotiator, who has now been named the group's new overall leader.
Who did al-Hayya replace?
He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024, according to the BBC.
Who else was in the running for the leadership?
Al-Hayya was selected after a run-off with Khaled Meshaal, according to Al Jazeera and the BBC.
Timeline
- Key takeaways from Khalil al-Hayya’s first speech as Hamas leader
Al Jazeera: The newly appointed leader says Hamas would work to help the people of Gaza and achieve a united Palestinian state.
- How will Khalil al-Hayya’s leadership shape Hamas?
Al Jazeera: Newly named Hamas leader al-Hayya faces pressure to cede power amid Gaza's fragile ceasefire.
- Hamas names Khalil al-Hayya as new overall leader
BBC World: The Palestinian armed group's Qatar-based chief negotiator replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2024.
- Hamas names Khalil al-Hayya as new leader after run-off with Khaled Meshaal
Al Jazeera: This is a breaking news story.