Hamas Nears Election of New Political Bureau Leader Between Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya

The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has entered the final stage of its internal elections for head of the political bureau, with competition limited to Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya, two prominent figures in the movement, according to informed sources.

A five-member leadership council currently manages the movement on a temporary basis, replacing the political bureau head, Bakhtar News reported citing Agence France-Presse.

Informed sources said Hamas has completed electing a new Shura Council, which serves as a link between the political bureau and leadership frameworks.

An informed source explained that under Hamas's internal bylaws, a committee of more than 80 general Shura Council members elects the Hamas president and political bureau members. Shura Council members are elected every four years across three main areas of Hamas activity: Gaza Strip, West Bank, and outside Palestinian territories, including prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

The source said Hamas has finished internal elections in all three regions and reached the final stage for selecting the political bureau head, with the contest narrowed to Meshaal and al-Hayya.

Hamas is expected to issue a statement immediately after the election, likely during Ramadan.

Two other sources within Hamas said the incoming leader will head the political bureau for one year in an exceptional electoral period, followed by new elections for four-year terms to set council and leadership structures.

The process follows the killing of former political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh. Yahya Sinwar then assumed leadership but was killed in October during clashes with Israeli forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

After Sinwar's death, Hamas formed a five-member senior leadership council headed by Mohammed al-Durwish, head of the Shura Council.