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An old hand very familiar to Israel has emerged as the new political leader of Hamas following a secret insider election that took months to unfold, and one regional expert said the development signals the terrorist group will not be charting a new course.Khalil al-Hayya, who has been a key negotiator for Hamas and who has survived multiple alleged assassination attempts, will now lead the group's political bureau.But Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Jaser AbuMousa told Fox News Digital his election is not exactly a passing of the torch."Expect more of the same, deliberately," AbuMousa said.
"Al-Hayya is Hamas's chief negotiator and its ultimate institutional survivor, so you'll see continued engagement at the negotiating table, ceasefire talks, prisoner exchanges, but do not mistake that for moderation."HAMAS SAYS IT WILL DISSOLVE GAZA GOVERNMENT, BUT ISRAEL WARNS GROUP STILL SEEKS HEZBOLLAH-STYLE CONTROLAl-Hayya, Hamas' longtime chief negotiator in indirect ceasefire and hostage talks with Israel, will now lead its political bureau.(Louai Beshara/AFP via Getty Images)"Al-Hayya's victory is best understood as an act of institutional self-preservation: a battered organization reaching for the most familiar hand available," AbuMousa warned.
"He is an experienced operator, and his elevation signals that Hamas, after the destruction of Gaza and the losses since Oct.7, 2023, has prioritized organizational cohesion, armed continuity, and the preservation of its Iranian relationship over a genuine political reassessment."Several members of al-Hayya's family, including four sons and other relatives, have also been killed in Israeli operations, according to reports.In September 2025, Israel reportedly sought to kill al-Hayya in Qatar, striking a building where the Hamas delegation was staying."This is the paradox of Hamas leadership right now: the top job is essentially a death sentence, which is part of why the chair sat empty for nearly two years after Sinwar was ki...