Hamas’s new leader must bridge a movement divided over Iran
After a one-vote victory, Khalil al-Hayya must reconcile rival currents while preserving Hamas’s independence.
![The new leader of Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya [Mohamed El Shahed/AFP]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AFP__20171122__UI78E__v1__HighRes__EgyptPalestinianConflictPolitics-1784547747.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
After a one-vote victory, Khalil al-Hayya must reconcile rival currents while preserving Hamas’s independence.
![The new leader of Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya [Mohamed El Shahed/AFP]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AFP__20171122__UI78E__v1__HighRes__EgyptPalestinianConflictPolitics-1784547747.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)








Thousands gathered across Gaza to watch the World Cup final, with many backing Spain over its support for Palestinians.
Veteran negotiator assumes Palestinian group’s overall leadership following a wartime election process.
As his empty Gaza apology clearly demonstrates, he will not bring the radical change Labour really needs.
Iran praises Spain’s win over Argentina after Spanish government’s condemnation of policies on Gaza and war on Iran.
Al-Hayya was previously one of the five-member leadership council after previous Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed.

A screening of the FIFA World Cup final in Ramallah was halted following news that two Palestinians were killed.
For many of us, Gaza was on our mind when we watched and celebrated Spain’s triumph at the World Cup.
Hundreds gather near the border as far-right figures push to rebuild settlements removed in 2005

The story behind Gaza’s #TheyLiedToYou campaign
Videos show Israeli settlers attacking the Palestinian village of al Tuwani in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron.