Hamas plans to keep the identity of its new leader confidential to prevent further assassinations following the death of Yahya Sinwar, who was a key figure in the group. An official from Hamas informed the BBC that a new leader will be chosen in March 2025, but until then, a five-member committee will oversee operations.
This committee will consist of Khalil al-Hayya, Khaled Meshaal, Zaher Jabarin, Muhammad Darwish, who heads the Shura Council, and a fifth, unnamed member. The official expressed concern about the circumstances of Sinwar’s assassination, noting that they believed he was in a safer location at the time.
He also stated that the organization has the necessary resources and personnel to ensure their security. Additionally, it was revealed that the Iranian foreign minister met with Khalil al-Hayya in Ankara to offer condolences for Sinwar’s death.
Sinwar was killed after being pursued by intelligence services and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for over a year. Israeli officials reported that he was located after emerging from the underground tunnels where he had been hiding.
On the day of his death, IDF units encountered a group of three Hamas fighters in Rafah. During the ensuing firefight, Sinwar attempted to escape but was ultimately killed after a drone tracked him down, with footage showing him making a last-ditch effort to defend himself just moments before he was shot.
