Hamas Prepares for Leadership Succession Following Haniyeh’s Death
The Palestinian militant group Hamas is gearing up to select a new political leader following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in a recent attack in Tehran, which has been attributed to Israel. This succession comes nearly 10 months into the ongoing Gaza conflict that erupted after Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel.
Haniyeh’s demise and its implications
Haniyeh, who had been serving as Hamas’s political chief since 2017, was killed in a pre-dawn strike on his residence while visiting Iran’s capital for President Masoud Pezeshkian’s swearing-in ceremony. His death amid a prolonged war in Gaza adds a significant layer of complexity to the group’s future direction.
Despite emerging pragmatists within Hamas who lean towards indirectly recognizing Israel’s right to exist, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to armed resistance for the establishment of a Palestinian state. A source from Hamas mentioned that “relations with Arab and Islamic countries” would play a crucial role in the selection of the next leader.
Potential candidates for leadership
Here are the senior officials considered for Hamas’s next political leader:
Khalil al-Hayya
Currently, the deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza, Hayya is closely associated with the territory’s leader, Yahya Sinwar. He led Hamas’s parliamentary bloc in 2006 and has emphasized the importance of armed struggle, losing several family members to Israeli military operations.
Musa Abu Marzuk
A senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, Marzuk is known for his pragmatic approach to negotiations, including advocating for a “long-term ceasefire” with Israel. He has lived in various countries, including the United States, where he faced charges related to raising funds for Hamas’s armed wing.
Zaher Jabarin
Known as Hamas’s long-time treasurer, Jabarin was close to Haniyeh and involved in large-scale financial operations. He has strong ties with Turkey and has participated in deadly operations carried out by Hamas’s armed wing.
Khaled Meshaal
Haniyeh’s predecessor, Meshaal has lived in exile since 1967 and became the movement’s leader after the assassinations of its founder Ahmed Yassin and successor Abdelaziz al-Rantisi. Meshaal survived a poisoning attempt by Mossad in 1997 and has been a critical voice against the Syrian regime’s crackdown on protests.
Yahya Sinwar
Elected in 2017 to lead Hamas in Gaza, Sinwar is a hardliner and is alleged to be a mastermind behind the October 7 attack. He spent 23 years in Israeli prisons and is known for his secretive movements. Sinwar has not been seen in public since the October 7 events.
Historical and political context
The recent developments come as the Hamas leadership navigates a complex and volatile political landscape. The group’s decisions will be closely watched by regional players and international observers concerned about the ongoing conflict and its broader implications.
As Hamas prepares for this critical transition, the focus will be on how the new leader will shape its strategies and relationships in a region fraught with historical tensions and current conflicts.