According to Asharq, Hayya is expected to win due to his popularity in the Gaza Strip and involvement in Hamas operations in the West Bank.
Hamas is planning to hold internal elections to choose its new political bureau head, the Saudi Arabia-based channel Asharq News reported on Saturday.
The election, which was originally set to be held earlier this year, was ordered by a leadership council that was established after the deaths of Hamas’s previous political bureau chiefs Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, who was the mastermind behind Hamas’s October 7 massacre.
Asharq News reported that the decision to hold the election, which will result in the dissolution of the transitional leadership council, was forced by “the appearance of contradictory opinions among the members of the council” regarding Hamas’s future in Gaza and ties with regional allies.
Hamas’s Shura Council, made up of approximately 50 individuals representing the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and global Hamas operations, has begun preparations for the election, the Saudi news channel said, adding that the vote will occur within the next few days or weeks.
Candidates disagree on Hamas strategy, Iran ties
The two candidates up for the position are Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal. According to Asharq, Hayya is expected to win due to his popularity in the Gaza Strip and involvement in Hamas operations in the West Bank.
Hayya’s platform is based on maintaining the current status quo of Hamas’s strategy, which includes “armed confrontation with Israel in the Gaza Strip until the war ends and the Israeli army completely withdraws,” the news agency said.
In contrast, Mashaal is reportedly leaning toward a path based on trying to distance Hamas from Iranian influence, strengthening ties with more moderate Arab nations, and continuing to participate in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Gaza.
Hayya and Mashaal were two of the three Hamas terror leaders targeted by an unsuccessful Israeli assassination attempt in Doha in early September.
latest_posts
- 1
Al-Sharaa denies he called for 80% of Syrians to return from Germany - 2Remote Headphones: Improve Your Sound Insight
- 3Vote in favor of Your Fantasy Vehicle: Which Notable Model Catches Your Heart?
- 4The Best Web-based Courses for Ability Advancement
- 5Why ordering takeout or calling the dog walker might lead to a happier relationship
- 5 Indoor Plants That Further develop Air Quality
- 23 Most Amusing Messages At any point Sent Among Youngsters and Their Folks
- Former GLP-1 users regain lost weight after about 18 months, study says
- 'Dancing with the Stars' semifinals: How to watch Episode 10 tonight, where to stream, who's left and more
- This Underrated Italian City Boasts Indulgent Food & Captivating Views For A Romantic Escape
- Vote in favor of your Number one Kind of Gems
- 7 Fun Plans to Make Film Evenings Seriously Invigorating (You'll Cherish #5!)
- Relive NASA's historic Artemis 2 launch to the moon in these stunning photos
- Behind every perfect holiday memory is a mom on the brink
