Hamas is moving toward freezing its leadership election process as the US-Israeli war against Iran reshapes the region’s political and security landscape, senior sources in and outside Gaza said.
The Palestinian militant group had been preparing to elect a new head of its political bureau, but multiple sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that a “near-final” decision has emerged to suspend the vote due to mounting complications.
For about 18 months, Hamas has been run by a “leadership council.” In recent weeks, efforts intensified to appoint a new leader to serve the remainder of the current political bureau’s term, extended to 2026. Broader internal elections had been expected later this year or early next year.
Four well-informed sources said current regional conditions, particularly with leading candidates based abroad, have pushed the movement toward delaying the process.
The race has focused on Khaled Meshaal, Hamas’ political chief abroad, and Khalil al-Hayya, a Gaza-based senior figure who leads ceasefire negotiations. Both are members of the leadership council chaired by Mohammed Darwish, head of the group’s Shura Council. Other members include Zaher Jabarin and Nizar Awadallah.
Sources said al-Hayya is believed to have backing from Hamas figures in Gaza and its armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, while Meshaal enjoys stronger support in the West Bank and among members abroad.
Two sources - one in Gaza and one outside - said a decision could be taken within days to cancel the current vote and instead hold full political bureau elections at the end of the year.
“The region is undergoing major security and political changes,” one source outside Gaza said. “Field conditions require postponement, and there is growing support for holding a single comprehensive election.”
After the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July 2024, the group appointed Yahya Sinwar as his successor. Following Sinwar’s death in clashes in Rafah in October 2024, Hamas shifted to collective leadership under the council.
A source in Gaza said time constraints were also a factor. “We are approaching April, and there is little time left before the end of the extended term. There is near consensus to cancel elections for now,” the source underlined.
He added that regional developments could significantly affect the Palestinian cause, while Hamas is focusing on diplomatic efforts linked to Gaza’s future.
However, not all Hamas officials support freezing the process. A source outside Gaza said the issue “has not been settled,” describing any delay as temporary.
A senior Hamas figure abroad said much of the election process had already been completed. “It is not logical to cancel after such progress,” he explained.
War impact
The war has also stirred internal tensions within Hamas over Iran’s strikes on Gulf countries.
Hamas, which maintains close ties with Tehran, initially faced pressure after its armed wing praised the Iranian attacks. The group later called on Iran to halt the strikes following criticism.
Sources said Qatar has taken measures in recent days against some Hamas figures over statements supporting Iran.
