Hamas to Hold Run-off Election Next Week for New Political Bureau Chief

Hamas will hold a run-off election next week to choose its political bureau chief, Al Jazeera reported, citing unnamed Hamas sources. Former leader Khaled Meshaal faces Khalil al-Hayya, Sinwar's former deputy, after neither secured an absolute majority in Shura Council voting. The winner replaces the transitional council leading Hamas since Sinwar's assassination in October 2024, serving until 2027 elections. No official Hamas statement has been issued.