From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 12, 2026
Report: Hamas delays leadership elections; sources cite internal disagreements, ceasefire focus
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleHamas has pushed off the leadership elections, Saudi-owned UK newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reports, citing unnamed senior Hamas sources.
One source cited by the outlet says the reason for the delay is Hamas’s “preoccupation with negotiations to transition to the second phase of the ceasefire” in Gaza.
A second source says the delay is also due to internal disagreements within the terror group in the Gaza Strip, “which have increased in recent days.”
The elections were to be held within the first ten days of 2026.
Saudi outlet Asharq reported last month that Hamas was set to hold leadership elections that had been scheduled for early 2025 but were delayed due to the war in Gaza. According to that report, pro-Iranian candidate Khalil al-Hayya was the favorite to win.
The Times of Israel Community.