Competition for Ismail Haniyeh’s Succession in Hamas Leadership 

According to the Associated Press, following the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the names of Khaled Meshaal, Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, and Nizar Abu Ramadan have emerged as potential successors. 

The Hamas leadership council is responsible for deciding on the new leader after the deaths of Haniyeh and his deputy Saleh al-Arouri. Khaled Meshaal has close ties with Turkey and Qatar but cold relations with Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Khalil al-Hayya, who is close to Iran and Turkey and was the first to comment after Haniyeh’s killing, is also a potential candidate. 

Palestinian affairs expert Hani al-Masri told the Associated Press that the main competition will be between Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya. Israeli media have suggested that Meshaal may temporarily succeed Haniyeh until elections are held in the Hamas leadership council. However, the opinion of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ military leader who is hiding in Gaza’s tunnels, regarding the new head of the political office remains unknown. 

Meanwhile, Egypt’s foreign ministry criticized Israel’s “adventurous” policies, saying they have undermined efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza. Egypt referred to Israel’s recent attacks on Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut and the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Iran holds Israel responsible for. Qatar had also previously condemned Haniyeh’s killing.