SAEDNEWS: Khalil al-Hayya, the newly elected head of Hamas's political bureau, said in his first message as leader that the Palestinian resistance would not be intimidated by the killing of its members or commanders. He stated that the movement would remain steadfast despite the loss of its leaders.
According to Saednews, Khalil al-Hayya has been elected as the new leader of Hamas, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024.
In his first remarks after assuming the leadership, al-Hayya said that Hamas would continue its struggle despite ongoing losses, stating that the deaths of children and senior leaders would not deter the movement.
A longtime member of Hamas, al-Hayya was born in Gaza in 1960 and has been part of the organization since its establishment in 1987. He holds a doctorate in Islamic studies and previously served as Yahya Sinwar's deputy.
Al-Hayya has played a leading role in indirect ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations with Israel through mediators in Egypt and Qatar. He has also survived several Israeli assassination attempts over the years.
In September 2025, he survived an Israeli strike in Doha that targeted a meeting of Hamas officials, reportedly killing several members of the group, including one of his sons.
His family has experienced repeated losses during the conflict. In 2007, an Israeli airstrike on his family home killed eight relatives. Several of his sons were also killed in separate Israeli attacks over the years, including Hamza al-Hayya, a Qassam Brigades field commander who was killed in 2008.
Al-Hayya assumes leadership during a period of ongoing conflict in Gaza, with continued Israeli military operations and Hamas remaining engaged in the war.
