Hamas has stated it will not reveal the identity of its new leader, maintaining secrecy amid ongoing conflict. The decision adds another layer of mystery to the organization’s internal operations and leadership structure.
Hamas is set to appoint a new leader in March; however, the identity of this individual will remain confidential for security purposes, according to a spokesperson for the Palestinian militant organization. In the interim, leadership responsibilities will be managed by a committee comprising top officials from within the group.
The militant group based in Gaza has been leaderless since last Wednesday, following the death of Yahya Sinwar during a clash with Israeli forces in Rafah. Sinwar had taken on the role as the group’s overall leader back in August after Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas political bureau, was assassinated in Tehran.
Following the death of Mohammed Deif, the commander of the group’s military wing, in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza this July, leadership responsibilities have been transferred to a five-man committee. A Hamas spokesman shared this information with Britain’s state broadcaster, BBC, on Monday.
The committee, according to the spokesman, will include Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshaal, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Darwish, and a fifth individual whose name has not been disclosed. Once selected, the identity of the new leader will remain confidential for security reasons.
Khalil al-Hayya, currently residing in Qatar, leads the Hamas delegation involved in ceasefire discussions with Israel. In a video message last week, al-Hayya recognized Sinwar’s death and referred to him as both a “holy warrior” and a “fallen martyr.”
According to two Hamas officials interviewed by the BBC, al-Hayya has taken on numerous responsibilities belonging to Sinwar and is seen as a leading contender to succeed him at the head of the organization.
Sinwar, along with Deif, was widely seen as the architect of the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel that initiated the current war. “Sinwar orchestrated the most violent assault against Israel in our history,” stated IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari during a televised announcement last week. “For over a year, Sinwar evaded justice. He did not succeed. We promised to locate him and ensure accountability—and we have fulfilled that promise.”
Hamas asserts that it will persist in its conflict with Israel and refuses to release the approximately 100 hostages it holds in Gaza until Israel withdraws from the enclave and liberates numerous Palestinian prisoners. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, stating that if Hamas does not capitulate, the IDF will continue their efforts “until we achieve total victory.”
