Hamas Poised to Pick New Top Leader Within Days
The outcome is expected to telegraph the group's strategy, including its regional alignments.
Overview
- Hamas leadership sources say they are preparing to select a successor to Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces last year.
- Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal are identified by Hamas sources as the leading candidates for the top post.
- The selection is reported to be expected within the next few days to weeks.
- Israeli media reported the development the same day, citing the Arab outlet Asharq Al-Awsat.
- Sources describe Haniyeh as favoring continued armed confrontation with Israel and as closely tied to Iran, with support from Hamas leaders in both Gaza and the West Bank.