Hamas Opts for Leadership by Committee, No Successor Named After Sinwar's Death

Following the death of its chief, Yahya Sinwar, killed by Israeli troops last week, Hamas is shifting its leadership structure. Two sources from within the group have told AFP that rather than appointing a single successor, Hamas plans to govern through a Doha-based ruling committee.

A senior Hamas source told the publication that the leadership will wait until its next scheduled elections in March to appoint a new leader, if conditions allow.

"Until then, a five-member committee formed in August after the assassination of political leader Ismail Haniyeh will manage the group's leadership," the source said.

This committee, created to aid decision-making due to communication challenges with Sinwar in Gaza, will now assume leadership. The committee includes Khalil al-Hayya for Gaza, Zaher Jabarin for the West Bank, Khaled Meshaal for Palestinians abroad, along with Mohammed Darwish, the head of Hamas's Shura advisory council.

The identity of the political bureau's secretary remains undisclosed for security reasons. All committee members are currently based in Qatar.

The committee's role includes overseeing Hamas's operations during the ongoing war and making strategic decisions for the group's future. Discussions had taken place regarding the appointment of a new political chief, but the leadership opted for collective governance through the committee.

Yahya Sinwar, who was appointed as Gaza chief of Hamas in 2017, became the group's overall leader after Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in July. He was a key figure behind Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which led to significant casualties and abductions. His death last Wednesday in Rafah has prompted Hamas to implement this interim leadership model during these turbulent times.