Hamas Elects Al-Hayya as New Leader Over Meshaal

Hamas elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader on July 20, 2026, picking Sinwar's former deputy and chief ceasefire negotiator over ex-political chief Khaled Meshaal in a run-off. Al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli targeting operation in Qatar and lost three sons to Israeli strikes, maintains close ties to Tehran. His win signals continuity with current ceasefire diplomacy rather than a return to Meshaal-era external leadership.