Hamas Announces New Leadership After Yahya Sinwar’s Martyrdom

Hamas has announced a shift in its leadership structure, delegating authority to a five-member committee rather than appointing a new chief.

International news agencies report that, in the wake of recent Israeli attacks resulting in the martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar and other key leaders, Hamas has decided to revert to its earlier strategy by not appointing a new head immediately. Instead, the organization’s leadership will be managed by a committee comprising five individuals: Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshaal, Zaher Jabarin, Mohammad Darwish (head of the Shura Council), and a fifth unnamed figure whose identity has not been disclosed yet.

Responsibilities of Committee Members:
– Khalil al-Hayya will oversee the Gaza Strip operations.
– Zaher Jabarin will manage affairs in the West Bank.
– Khaled Meshaal will be in charge of external relations.
– Mohammad Darwish heads the Shura Council.
– The fifth member, the Secretary-General of the political office, remains unnamed.

According to reports, the committee will operate from Qatar, where Hamas’ political office is based, and will serve as the de facto leadership until organizational elections take place in March 2025.

It is worth noting that in 2003, following the assassinations of Hamas leaders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and his successor Abdul Aziz al-Rantisi by Israeli forces, the organization similarly refrained from naming a new leader, continuing its strategy of maintaining secrecy around its top leadership structure.