Hamas Begins Secret Vote to Choose New Political Bureau Chief After Sinwar's Death

Hamas has initiated a covert process to select a new head of its political bureau, replacing the temporary "Five-Member Council" that has led the group since the killing of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024. According to official Hamas sources cited by the Saudi channel Al-Sharq, the voting began on Saturday and is expected to conclude within one to two weeks. Due to concerns over Israeli intelligence and a series of targeted assassinations that have struck Hamas leadership over the past two years, the election is being conducted through secure and secretive mechanisms.

Two main candidates have emerged: Khalil al-Hayya, a close ally of Sinwar who is aligned with Iran, and Khaled Meshaal, the former Hamas leader abroad associated with Qatar and Turkey, advocating a more independent stance from Tehran. Sources within Hamas revealed that the Shura Council members in Gaza have voted almost unanimously for al-Hayya, but the final decision will also consider votes from council members in the West Bank and abroad. The process reportedly includes participation from several security prisoners held in Israel, who cast their votes through clandestine means.

If al-Hayya is chosen, Hamas's leadership center is expected to remain in Gaza. Conversely, Meshaal's selection could shift the political bureau's headquarters outside the Gaza Strip. Hamas officials noted that once the permanent political bureau chief is appointed, the temporary Five-Member Council will be dissolved, and the organization will return to its traditional leadership structure. The new leader will face critical decisions regarding governance in Gaza, the location of Hamas's command center, and managing relations with Iran and its allies.