Hamas Prepares to Choose New Political Leader

Hamas is preparing to elect a new leader following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in an attack in Tehran. Candidates for the position include Khalil al-Hayya, Musa Abu Marzuk, Zaher Jabarin, Khaled Meshaal, and Yahya Sinwar. The decision will be influenced by relations with Arab and Islamic countries.

With the death of Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran attack, Hamas is preparing to elect a new political chief.

Haniyeh, elected in 2017, was killed in a pre-dawn strike while visiting for President Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony.

Candidates for leadership include Khalil al-Hayya, Musa Abu Marzuk, Zaher Jabarin, Khaled Meshaal, and Yahya Sinwar.

Khalil al-Hayya is known for advocating armed struggle and has lost family members in Israeli operations.

Musa Abu Marzuk is considered pragmatic and supports a long-term ceasefire with Israel.

Zaher Jabarin, a close aide to Haniyeh, has been involved in money laundering and deadly operations.

Khaled Meshaal, Haniyeh's predecessor, survived an assassination attempt in 1997 and has criticized Syria's regime.

Yahya Sinwar, a hardliner alleged to have masterminded the October 7 attack, has not appeared in public since then.

The decision will be influenced by relations with Arab and Islamic countries.