Pakistan, July 21 -- Hamas has appointed Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed during fighting with Israeli forces in October 2024. The Palestinian group announced the leadership change on Monday, marking a significant development as it continues to face military, political, and diplomatic challenges after nearly two years of conflict in Gaza. Al-Hayya, who is based in Doha, has become one of the group's most influential figures in recent years.

Before his appointment, al-Hayya served as Hamas's Gaza chief and chief negotiator, playing a leading role in ceasefire discussions with regional mediators. Following the deaths of Yahya Sinwar and former political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in 2024, h...