According to informed sources within the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, the organization has successfully completed its internal election process. This includes the selection of advisory councils in three areas: Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad, along with the overall advisory council. This marks a significant step towards appointing a new head of Hamas’s political bureau.
Sources indicate that Hamas is expected to officially announce the name of its new political bureau leader soon, possibly during the upcoming month of Ramadan. This individual will succeed the five-member leadership council that took charge following the martyrdom of Yahya Sinwar, the former head of Hamas.As reported by Rai Al-Youm, the final competition for this leadership position is between Khalil Hayyah, the head of Hamas’s political bureau in the Gaza Strip, and Khaled Mashal, the head of Hamas abroad. The outcome of this contest is anticipated to be determined by the end of February.
The internal elections were initiated after the implementation of a ceasefire agreement with the Israeli regime last October, engaging thousands of movement members, including those residing in Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and members living abroad. Although official statistics of eligible voters have not been disclosed, Hamas sources estimate the number to exceed 100,000.Local sources report that the voting in the Gaza Strip concluded last week, and the council and political bureau for the region have been elected. Additionally, Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has introduced its representative in the overall political bureau.
Hamas sources indicate that the purpose of these elections is to fill the leadership gaps created after the assassination of numerous commanders and leaders by the Israeli regime. A member of the political bureau emphasized that despite the challenging security and political conditions, Hamas remains committed to the council-based and electoral processes for determining its leaders.The newly formed political bureau of Hamas will be responsible for making critical decisions regarding the field situation political relations the future role of the movement interactions with the Palestinian Authority as well as regional and international issues. Furthermore no changes are expected in the locations of Hamas leaders based in Qatar and Turkey.
