Hamas is preparing to elect a new head of its political bureau in the coming weeks, ending the temporary leadership phase following the martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar. The move comes as the movement advances internal organizational elections scheduled for January, despite ongoing Israeli aggression. Two main candidates Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal have emerged, The next leader will face the challenge of preserving the leadership legacy while managing Gaza’s humanitarian and political burden ahead of a complex regional phase in 2026.
Yahya Sinwar was unanimously elected by the Hamas Shura Council in August 2024 as head of the political bureau, following the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024. His tenure coincided with one of the most critical phases of the Gaza war, before his assassination led the movement into a transitional leadership period.
According to informed sources cited by Ultra Palestine, Hamas has begun preparations to hold organizational elections across all regions this coming January. The process will begin with regional elections to select leaderships for Gaza, the West Bank, and Hamas abroad.
These regional elections will be followed by the convening of the General Shura Council, culminating in the election of the General Political Bureau and the movement’s overall leader. Between 18 and 22 members are expected to be elected, and despite a proposal to postpone the process for another year, the movement appears committed to the January timeline.
Two figures have emerged as leading contenders for the top position. Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas in Gaza, is widely seen as holding a strong advantage, reportedly backed by key West Bank leadership figures, including Zaher Jabareen, as well as the Al-Qassam Brigades. Khaled Meshaal, who heads Hamas’ leadership abroad, is also considered a serious candidate. Representing the external wing of the movement, his candidacy highlights the internal debate over strategic priorities in the post-war period.
Despite the war and continued Israeli attacks, Hamas officials insist that Gaza is fully prepared to carry out the electoral process. They emphasize that communication between all leadership levels remains intact and that all vacancies resulting from assassinations were filled immediately.
The current elections follow the postponement of polls originally scheduled for March 2025 due to the war, which later ended with the October 10, 2025 ceasefire agreement. As Hamas moves toward selecting its new leadership, the outcome is expected to shape the movement’s political direction, resistance strategy, and approach to governance and humanitarian responsibility in Gaza
