Hamas Gaza Leadership Election Heads to Runoff Amid Internal Power Struggle

Hamas is expected to hold a runoff election for the head of its political bureau in the Gaza Strip after the initial round concluded without a decisive winner, sources within the organization told Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya channel. The elections are taking place against the backdrop of an internal power struggle within Hamas's Gaza leadership and efforts to reorganize the movement's structure following the ongoing war and changes in its senior ranks.

In the first round, Nizar Awadallah and Ali al-A'amoudi vied for the position, but neither secured enough votes for victory. Both are now anticipated to compete again. According to the sources, senior Hamas figures are backing the candidates. Khaled Meshaal is actively campaigning for Awadallah, who also reportedly has the support of Zaher Jabarin. Conversely, al-A'amoudi is backed by Khalil al-Hayya. Recent shifts in voter sentiment have reportedly improved Awadallah's chances compared to the previous round.

Awadallah is a veteran Hamas leader who survived the war and previously ran for Hamas leadership in Gaza in 2021, narrowly losing to Yahya Sinwar. Al-A'amoudi, a member of Hamas's political bureau, was released in the 2011 prisoner exchange deal for Gilad Shalit. He previously worked in Hamas's propaganda division and is considered close to Sinwar from their time in Israeli prison. In recent months, al-A'amoudi has reportedly been managing the day-to-day operations of the political bureau in Gaza.

The outcome of this election could have significant implications beyond just the leadership of the Gaza bureau. A victory for Awadallah might alter the balance of power within Hamas, particularly given his closeness to Meshaal and support from other leadership factions.