The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has announced the election of Khalil al-Hayya, who served as chief negotiator for the Gaza-based group during the zionist genocidal war against the besieged coastal territory, as the new head of its political bureau.
Hayya, a former deputy chairman of the Palestinian group, won an internal ballot in a run-off against former Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal, Hamas said in a statement on Monday.
Hamas emphasized that the election was not “a mere procedural detail, but a confirmation that the resistance group is a movement governed by its institutions and shura (consultation), and bound by its systems and regulations.”
It reiterated its commitment to democratic practices even under the most challenging conditions.
Hayya is the first person appointed to the position since his predecessor Yahya Sinwar was martyred in October 2024 while fighting a group of Israeli soldiers who came upon him by chance.
He said in a televised address at the time that the 62-year-old leader was “steadfast, brave and intrepid” and “sacrificed his life to the cause of our liberation.”
“He met his end standing brave, with his head held high, holding his firearm, firing until the last breath, until the last moment of his life,” Hayya told the Hamas-affiliated al-Aqsa TV back then.
“Since his early days, he was engaged in his struggle as a resistant fighter. He stood defiant behind ‘Israeli’ bars, and after his release in a swap deal, he continued with his struggle and his dedication to the cause.”
Hayya added that Sinwar’s “martyrdom” and leaders who preceded him “will only increase the strength and resilience of our movement.”
Sinwar was appointed head of the Hamas political bureau in August 2024, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in a zionist strike on his residence in the Iranian capital Tehran.
Palestinians characterize the Gaza ceasefire agreement as an “illusion” due to the persistent zionist military actions, such as shelling, incursions, and the ongoing blockade of crossings, allowing only minimal aid to enter, which has intensified the humanitarian crisis in the coastal region.
According to the latest figures from the Gaza Health Ministry, zionist violations of the ceasefire agreement have killed at least 1,127 Palestinians and wounded more than 3,643 others.
The agreement was reached after two years of a genocidal war launched by the zionist on October 7, 2023.
The onslaught has continued in various forms, claiming the lives of over 73,000 people and leaving more than 173,000 wounded, while wreaking havoc on 90% of civilian infrastructure.
Hezbollah on Monday congratulated Khalil al-Hayya on his election as head of the political bureau of Hamas, succeeding the movement’s late leader Yahya Sinwar.
In a statement, Hezbollah said the election carries a clear message that the movement remains “present, strong, and united” despite assassinations and attempts to break its resolve.
The Lebanese Islamic Resistance movement said al-Hayya’s election “represents a clear message to the zionist enemy, its supporters, and all those who bet on ending the Palestinian resistance,” stressing that the assassination of leaders would not lead to the downfall of the Resistance’s banner, which will “continue to fly high and be carried by loyal men who continue the path with faith, determination, and steadfastness.”
Hezbollah added that it congratulates Hamas on this step, wishing al-Hayya success in carrying out his responsibilities. It affirmed that the Palestinian Resistance, rooted in its people, will continue defending the rights of the Palestinian people until the liberation of their land and holy sites.
Araghchi congratulates al-Hayya: ‘A great success for Hamas’
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent a congratulatory message to Khalil al-Hayya on his election as head of Hamas’ political bureau, reaffirming Tehran’s continued support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people against the zionist regime.
Araghchi said that holding the movement’s internal elections under Israeli blockade “is a great success for Hamas,” considering the move a reflection of the group’s ability to continue its organizational work despite challenges.
Hamdan: Hamas to stay the course after al-Hayya’s election
Hamas movement’s successful election of Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader is evidence of the movement’s vitality and the Resistance project, Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated on Monday, reaffirming the movement’s commitment to fulfilling its duties toward the Palestinian people and its allies.
Hamdan said that al-Hayya’s election, which came amid internal consensus, sends a message that Hamas will pursue the path of Resistance regardless of who assumes its leadership.
He added that the United States and zionist entity are targeting the region with the aim of making the zionist entity its center of gravity, stressing that the movement continues to rally support for its cause and that there are parties standing by its side, “to the point of fighting,” foremost among them Iran, Yemen, and the Resistance in Lebanon.
Earlier today, Hamas officially announced the election of senior leader Khalil al-Hayya as head of its Political Bureau, succeeding the martyred leader Yahya Sinwar. The announcement came after the movement dismissed media reports that had prematurely claimed to reveal the outcome of its internal elections, reiterating that no official results had been released prior to its formal statement.