The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has announced Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau, according to Al Jazeera. He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024. The announcement was made on July 20, 2026.

Following the deaths of senior Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, and military commander Mohammed Deif last year, al-Hayya’s prominence within the organization increased significantly. His appointment marks a continuation of leadership restructuring within Hamas after a series of high-profile losses.

Born in 1960 in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya has been associated with Hamas since its founding in 1987 and has long served as a key figure in its political leadership.