Hamas Appoints More Hardline Khalil al-Hayya as New Leader Amid Israeli Strikes
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Hamas has appointed Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, a figure seen as more aligned with Iran and expected to continue the group's militant stance. His selection follows failed Israeli assassination attempts and comes amid intensified Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Hamas maintains its control and military strength despite Israeli efforts to weaken it.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Khalil al-Hayya chosen as Hamas leader, replacing veteran Khaled Meshaal.
- Al-Hayya survived Israeli assassination attempts, including a 2025 strike in Qatar.
- He is considered more pro-Iranian than predecessor Yahya Sinwar.
- Israel has conducted 300 airstrikes in Gaza, killing over 250 militants since Operation Roaring Lion began.
- Hamas delays disarmament efforts and strengthens control despite Israeli military pressure.
- U.S. plans for terror-free Gaza zones face Hamas resistance despite apparent cooperation.
Khalil al-Hayya has been appointed as the new leader of Hamas, a move anticipated by Israeli security officials and reflecting a shift from veteran candidate Khaled Meshaal. Both al-Hayya and Meshaal survived assassination attempts, including one on al-Hayya in Qatar in 2025 involving Israeli air force and Shin Bet intelligence. Qatar condemned the attack, demanding and receiving an Israeli apology and assurances against future strikes on its soil, granting al-Hayya and his close circle a form of immunity.
Al-Hayya, who served three years in Israeli prison in the 1990s for terrorist activities, is considered more pro-Iranian than Yahya Sinwar, who viewed ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as vital for Hamas’s survival. Israeli security sources believe Iran influenced al-Hayya’s selection and will integrate him into its plans for retaliation against Israel.
This leadership change occurs amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. Since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, the IDF has conducted approximately 300 airstrikes, killing over 250 militants, including 60 in the past month alone. While the IDF aims to degrade Hamas’s military and civilian infrastructure, Hamas has managed to delay a large-scale disarmament operation and continues to strengthen its control, military capacity, and economy under restrictions.
Despite U.S. proposals to create "terror-free zones" in Gaza, Hamas publicly appears to cooperate but covertly resists. Al-Hayya’s appointment signals a critical phase in Hamas’s survival after three years of conflict and ongoing stalemate with the Palestinian Authority.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 3Right 3Haredi 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.