Hamas to hold elections to select new leader: report

• Hamas is set to elect a new political bureau chief by early January 2026 to fill the leadership vacuum left by Yahya Sinwar’s death, signaling a move toward internal reorganization despite the ongoing war.
• The contest features two primary candidates with clashing regional visions: Khalil al-Hayya, a pro-Iran hardliner favored to win, and Khaled Mashaal, who is seen as closer to Qatar and more open to negotiated compromises for Gaza’s future.

Hamas is anticipated to elect a new chief for its political bureau within the coming days or weeks, according to sources within the group cited by Saudi news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat.

It aims to fill the vacancy created by the death of Yahya Sinwar, the previous bureau head, who was killed in October 2024 during clashes with ‘Israeli’ forces in Rafah.

The election process is expected to commence next week or in the first ten days of January 2026, signaling an effort to restore internal stability amid the ongoing challenges the group faces.

Sinwar had assumed the role following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July 2024 by ‘Israel’.

Haniyeh's death, along with that of his deputy Saleh al-Arouri in Lebanon in January 2024, marked a series of high-profile losses for Hamas during the two-year ‘Israeli’ assault on the Gaza Strip.

The coming election will adhere to Hamas's established internal protocols and practices, conducted in a consultative manner among members.

A deputy to the new chief may be selected concurrently or shortly thereafter.

The current guiding council which is leading the group, will continue in the capacity of consultants until its term concludes in 2026, overseeing both internal and external affairs without a full bureau election at this stage.

Prominent candidates include Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal, with al-Hayya reportedly holding an advantage due to his influence in Gaza and involvement in West Bank operations.

Both have different policies regarding ‘Israeli’ withdrawal from Gaza, according to the report.

Hayya is seen as closer to Iran, and supports continuing the fighting against ‘Israel’ until it withdraws.

Mashaal is seen as closer to Qatar, and is said to seek “negotiated compromises to end the occupation of Gaza.”

Should al-Hayya prevail, a successor for his current role as Gaza bureau head would be appointed, potentially from within the Gaza Strip itself.