Hamas Chooses New Leader in Close Vote

Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls Gaza, elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader on July 20, 2026. He won by one vote. Al-Hayya, born in Gaza, previously helped negotiate a temporary truce with the United States. He replaces Yahya Sinwar, killed in 2024. The close result shows Hamas is divided at a tense and fragile time.