Hamas elects Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader; Israel tried to kill him last year

Hamas announced Monday that Khalil al-Hayya has been elected as its new leader, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in 2024. Al-Hayya, who previously headed the group's political bureau in Gaza, defeated veteran leader Khaled Mashaal. His election underscores the close ties between Hamas and Iran, a relationship al-Hayya is expected to maintain, unlike Mashaal who favors Gulf Arab states. Al-Hayya, born in Gaza City in 1960, served as the chief negotiator for Hamas during ceasefire and hostage release talks following the October 7, 2023, attacks. He survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha last year, though one of his sons was killed in the strike, and another son was killed earlier this year in Gaza.