Lost Sons In Wars, Survived Israeli Raid: Who Is Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas's New Chief?

Published 20 July 2026 · world

Lost Sons In Wars, Survived Israeli Raid: Who Is Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas's New Chief? Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 19:47 IST Khalil Al-Hayya

Lost Sons In Wars, Survived Israeli Raid: Who Is Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas's New Chief? Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 19:47 IST Khalil Al-Hayya, a veteran Hamas leader with strong Iran ties, was named the group's overall head. He succeeds leaders killed in Israeli attacks. Khalil al-Hayya has been based in Qatar for several years. (AFP photo) Khalil Al-Hayya, a veteran Hamas leader regarded as one of the group’s most influential figures abroad, was named the overall head of the Palestinian militant group on Monday. The 64-year-old, who has close ties with Iran and has played a key role in Hamas’ diplomatic efforts, succeeds a series of senior leaders killed in Israeli attacks. Based in Qatar for several years, Hayya emerged as a key figure within Hamas after the deaths of prominent leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed during a visit to Iran in 2024, and Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, who was later killed in Gaza, Reuters reported.

Hayya’sRise After Deaths Of Senior Leaders Hayya himself survived an Israeli strike in Doha in September last year. Originally from the Gaza Strip, Hayya has been associated with Hamas since its creation in 1987 and was earlier a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, the movement from which Hamas originated. He has repeatedly been detained by Israel and has suffered significant personal losses over the years. Several of his relatives were killed in an Israeli airstrike on his family home in Gaza City in 2007. His son Hamza was killed in another strike in 2008, while his eldest son Osama, along with Osama’s wife and three children, died during the 2014 Gaza war. Key Negotiator With Strong Iran Ties Hayya has been deeply involved in ceasefire negotiations with Israel and has played a prominent role in efforts to broker truces, including talks aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza. He participated in indirect negotiations that led to a US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025.

Widely viewed as Hamas’ principal representative in the Arab and Islamic world, Hayya has also worked to strengthen the group’s regional alliances. In 2022, he led a Hamas delegation to Syria to repair relations with former president Bashar al-Assad after years of strained ties. He is considered to maintain strong links with Iran, a major political and military backer of Hamas. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What changes could Khalil Al-Hayya bring to Hamas? Khalil Al-Hayya, as the new overall leader of Hamas, is expected to continue the group's political and diplomatic activities, including ceasefire negotiations with Israel. He has maintained close ties with Iran and has been a key figure in external negotiations. How might Iran's role with Hamas evolve under Hayya? Khalil al-Hayya, who has close ties with Iran, has been named the new overall head of Hamas. He succeeds leaders killed in Israeli attacks.