Hamas appoints Khalil al-Hayya as new leader

Hamas has announced the appointment of Khalil al-Hayya as the group’s new leader, according to a statement issued on Monday. Al-Hayya succeeds Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in October 2024 during fighting with Israeli forces amid the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip. Hamas did not provide further details about the appointment. Al-Hayya, a senior political figure within the group, has long been regarded as one of its most influential leaders.