Hamas Chooses a New Leader

Hamas chose Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader on July 20, 2026, picking him over former leader Khaled Meshaal in a final vote. Al-Hayya helped negotiate past ceasefires (temporary truces to stop fighting). He survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Qatar and lost three sons to Israeli strikes. His choice means Hamas wants to keep current peace efforts going rather than change course.