Qatar Punishes Hamas After Khalil al-Hayya's Appointment as Leader

Qatar expressed disappointment over Hamas's decision to appoint Khalil al-Hayya as the organization's leader, after exerting behind-the-scenes pressure to have Khaled Mashal take the role instead. Al-Hayya is aligned with the Iranian axis, while Mashal identifies with Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood. Palestinian sources told Kan News that following al-Hayya's selection, Qatar decided to punish Hamas by restricting the movement of its leadership within Doha. Qatari security forces have tightened controls, requiring Hamas leaders to obtain approval for any official meetings or receptions in the Qatari capital.

Hamas announced al-Hayya's appointment as head of its political bureau about two weeks ago, filling a position left vacant since the assassination of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024. Sinwar had succeeded Ismail Haniyeh, who previously held the post. The political bureau serves as the leadership council managing Hamas's political affairs.

In May, Azam, al-Hayya's son, was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza. Azam was the fourth son of al-Hayya to be killed by Israeli Defense Forces fire. His twin brother, Maam, was also killed in a failed Israeli operation in Doha targeting Hamas's top leadership. Meanwhile, Hamas has begun distributing personal weapons to its members in Gaza, with implementation expected in the coming days, as part of a new agreement in the territory.