The Palestinian movement Hamas is finalizing the selection of a new chairman for its political bureau. As high-ranking representatives of the organization report, two experienced politicians remain in the race for leadership: Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya. This process follows the decimation of the group's highest command structures during the ongoing war in Gaza, which has forced internal elections to be conducted under complex clandestine conditions both inside the enclave and beyond its borders.

Final Battle for Succession

Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya are the two main candidates to replace Hamas leaders killed by Israel.

Reorganization of the Movement's Structures

The formation of a new 80-member Shura Council and an 18-member political bureau has been completed despite the ongoing war.

Hezbollah Mobilization

Iranian commanders are reportedly implementing defense plans in Lebanon in anticipation of an escalation of conflict with Israel.

A high-ranking Hamas representative informed the media that the group is in the final phase of selecting a new leader. This process aims to fill the void left by a series of successful Israeli assassinations of previous leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. Currently, the power struggle is between Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya. The elections, although conducted under wartime conditions, involved thousands of organization members in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and in exile. A new Shura Council, consisting of over 80 members, primarily religious authorities, has already been formed as part of the reorganization. An 18-member political bureau has also been appointed. This process is crucial for the future of the movement, which must navigate between its radical military wing and its political representation residing in countries such as Qatar or Lebanon. The election of al-Hayya could signify a continuation of the late Sinwar's line and the maintenance of close ties with Tehran, while Meshaal is perceived as a figure more autonomous from Iran. The structure of Hamas leadership has evolved since 1987, when Sheikh Ahmed Yassin founded the organization as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood focused on fighting Israel. Since then, the movement has combined social and political activity with the paramilitary wing, the al-Qassam Brigades. Meanwhile, the situation in the region remains extremely tense due to reports of preparations for a broader conflict. Arab media suggests that Iranian officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may be taking direct operational control of Hezbollah. These actions are said to be a response to the threat of a full-scale war with Israel and the United States, placing Lebanon on the brink of a potential humanitarian and political catastrophe. „The movement is in the final phase of selecting a new leader, with two prominent figures competing for the position.” — Hamas representative to AFP

Mentioned People

  • Chaled Meszal — Former head of Hamas's political bureau, one of the main candidates for the new leader.
  • Chalil al-Hajja — Deputy head of Hamas in Gaza, Meshaal's competitor in the leadership struggle.