Hamas’s Hayya seen to keep key role under new leader Sinwar

Hamas politician Khalil al-Hayya is set to continue leading indirect negotiations with Israel for a Gaza ceasefire with guidance from the group’s newly appointed leader, Yahya Sinwar, who continues to run the war effort inside the enclave, three Palestinian sources including a Hamas official say.

Experts on Palestinian politics had seen Hayya as a leading candidate to replace Ismail Haniyeh, due partly to his good ties with the group’s main backer, Iran, whose support will be vital for it to recover after the war.

Working under the supervision of Haniyeh, Hayya has led the group’s delegation in mediated talks with Israel aimed at securing a ceasefire and a deal to exchange Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7 with Palestinians in Israeli jails.

“Dr. Khail Al-Hayya is the head of the negotiation team and there is no change to this,” the Hamas official says.

Another source familiar with Hamas deliberations says Hayya enjoyed the trust of both Haniyeh and Sinwar, and says it was expected that he would “continue to lead the indirect negotiations and be the diplomatic face of the movement.”