Hamas Names Khalil al-Hayya as New Leader

Hamas named Khalil al-Hayya its overall leader on July 20, 2026, filling the Political Bureau post vacant since Yahya Sinwar died in an Israeli strike in October 2024. Al-Hayya, previously deputy chairman and chief negotiator in hostage-ceasefire talks, won a run-off against former leader Khaled Meshaal — revealing real internal debate over the movement's direction.