Overview
- Hamas announced Khalil al‑Hayya as head of its political bureau following an internal vote, and he delivered his first policy address outlining his priorities.
- Al‑Hayya called for an inclusive Palestinian national dialogue and said Hamas will work to rebuild Gaza, end bloodshed, and prevent displacement of civilians.
- He reaffirmed Hamas’s goal of a Palestinian state including Gaza and the occupied West Bank with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- As a veteran negotiator, al‑Hayya told mediators he will agree to place heavy weapons in third‑party custody but wants members to retain small arms for personal protection, which complicates implementation of the October 2025 ceasefire deal.
- Sources say the election was decided by the narrowest margin with strong backing from Gaza representatives, a result that highlights internal factional balance and could harden positions in future talks while reconstruction and humanitarian needs in Gaza remain urgent.