The fragile truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has prompted the Palestinian group to delay electing a new leader for its political bureau, sources within the movement told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Hamas had initially planned to hold the election following last month's ceasefire in the enclave, but internal assessments led to a postponement, the sources said.
Since Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024, followed by the killing of his successor Yahya Sinwar in October—reportedly by coincidence—the group has been operating under a “leadership council” structure.
The council is headed by Mohammed Darwish, a previously low-profile figure within Hamas who rarely appears in the media. Senior official Khalil al-Hayya has also emerged as a key representative, frequently leading the group’s delegations.
Hamas leaders agree on the need to elect or appoint a new head for the group’s political bureau in Gaza, sources affirmed.
Al-Hayya has been effectively filling the role on a temporary basis, they said.
However, an election does not necessarily mean he will step aside. Instead, he could remain in the position under a structure endorsed by Hamas institutions and leadership at all levels, sources added.
Hamas’ leadership council will continue to make key decisions as political and security conditions delay elections, they explained.
In short, the latest developments forced Hamas to postpone its leadership vote. That is why the current leadership council will remain in charge until a stable political and security environment allows for elections.
On the governmental level, the sources said efforts are underway to restructure Gaza’s administrative framework, particularly to manage key files and appoint an interim figure to lead governance until an agreement on the enclave’s future is reached.
Hamas’ involvement in shaping Gaza’s future remains a complex issue on local, regional, and international levels, as efforts continue to solidify a fragile truce with Israel.
Sources within the movement also revealed that Hamas is willing to show “maximum flexibility” to push forward with the ceasefire agreement, advance to the next phase of negotiations, and ultimately end the war.
