Hamas begins process to elect new leader after Ismail Haniyeh’s martyrdom

In the wake of the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, the Palestinian resistance organisation Hamas has initiated the process of selecting a new leader.

According to a statement released by Hamas, a broad consultation process is underway to determine the next head of the movement, with the final decision to be made in a meeting of the Shura Council.

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Sources indicate that several senior Hamas officials are being considered as potential successors. Although Saleh al-Aravi, Haniyeh’s deputy and previously highly likely successor of Haniyeh, was martyred in an Israeli attack in January.

Former Hamas chief Khalid Meshaal is seen as a strong contender due to his moderate temperament. Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent figure within Hamas and a close associate of Haniyeh, is also under consideration.

Zahir Jabarin, another deputy of Haniyeh, is noted for his significant role in the financial and administrative affairs of Hamas and his close ties with Iran, making him a potential candidate. Yahya al-Sinwar, a key leader involved in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, is also a possible successor.

Ismail Haniyeh, who led the political bureau of Hamas, was martyred in Tehran on July 31 while attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud al-Maghdiyan.

Iran says Hamas leader Haniyeh was killed by ‘short-range projectile’

In related events, Maulana Fazlur Rehman arrived in Qatar from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia yesterday, where he met with Palestinian and Hamas leaders to express his condolences on the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh.