Palestinian Islamic Jihad Congratulates Hamas on Election of New Political Bureau Chief
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement issued a statement congratulating Hamas on the election of Dr. Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas. The statement, based on data published by the Mehr News Agency via Palestine Al-Youm, emphasized that Hamas’s successful internal elections and the selection of a new political bureau chief, following the assassination of Commander Yahya Sinwar, convey a powerful message to the Zionist enemy, especially given the challenging conditions and continuous aggressions by the occupying regime.
Islamic Jihad stressed that these elections demonstrate Hamas’s enduring strength and cohesion, proving that the enemy has failed to undermine its resolve, will, and steadfastness. The movement concluded by wishing success to Khalil al-Hayya and Hamas members, expressing hope that they will vigorously continue the path toward achieving the goals of the Palestinian people for freedom, return, and the expulsion of the occupiers.
Khalil al-Hayya, transitioning from an academic career in Hadith studies to the leadership of Hamas’s political bureau, was announced by the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas on Monday as the new head of the political bureau, succeeding the late Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar was martyred in October 2024 during direct clashes with occupying forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
Born on November 5, 1960, in Gaza City into a religious family, Khalil al-Hayya, known as “Abu Osama,” obtained his bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Gaza. He pursued his master’s degree at the University of Jordan and later completed his doctorate in Hadith sciences. Initially, al-Hayya was involved in teaching and academic activities, including holding responsibilities at the Islamic University of Gaza.
Al-Hayya joined Hamas in the late 1980s and gradually rose through its political and organizational structures. He was elected as a representative for Gaza City to the Palestinian Legislative Council in the 2006 elections. Subsequently, he held significant positions, including membership in the Hamas Political Bureau, deputy head of the movement in Gaza, and management of various political and regional affairs.
Following the martyrdom of several senior Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif, al-Hayya emerged as a central figure in the collective leadership of the movement. He is particularly associated with ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations, having led Hamas delegations in indirect talks with the Israeli regime and liaising with Qatari, Egyptian, and international mediators. He is known for maintaining the core positions of the resistance while managing complex political issues.
The personal life of the new Hamas chief has also been marked by profound loss and tragedy. Al-Hayya has lost four children, several grandchildren, and numerous relatives in various Israeli attacks. In 2007, several of his family members were martyred. His son Hamza was martyred in 2008, and in the 2014 war, his eldest son Osama, his wife, and their three children were killed in a bombing that destroyed the al-Hayya family home.
On September 9, 2025, al-Hayya survived an Israeli attack in Doha targeting the location of the Hamas negotiation delegation. However, his son Hammam, his office director, and several companions were martyred. In May 2026, another son, Azzam, was martyred in an attack on the Gaza Strip. Consequently, among Palestinians, al-Hayya is regarded as a leader who has intimately experienced the suffering of his people, viewing his position at the helm of the movement not as a political privilege but as a path intertwined with loss, resistance, and sacrifice.
