Hamas Political Chief Declares Fearlessness in Face of Martyrdom
Khalil al-Hayya, recently elected as head of Hamas's political bureau, asserted in his inaugural statement that the Palestinian resistance remains undaunted in the face of the loss of its members and the martyrdom of its leaders.
Hayya declared that those they perceive as occupiers should understand that they stand firm in their cause, undeterred by the loss of children or the martyrdom of leaders, and that their resolve remains unshaken by fear.
A seasoned leader within Hamas was elected on Monday, taking over the reins from Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024.
Hayya, who has been a key figure in Hamas, held the role of chief negotiator during ceasefire discussions and emerged as a pivotal leader in the organization following the deaths of Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh.
Born in Gaza in 1960, Hayya has been involved with Hamas since its inception in 1987 and possesses a doctorate in Islamic studies.
Hayya, who previously served as Sinwar’s deputy, assumed leadership of the movement in Gaza in October 2024 following the killing of Sinwar.
He has served as Hamas’s principal negotiator in ceasefire and captive-release discussions, heading delegations in indirect negotiations with Israel via mediators based in Egypt and Qatar.
Hayya has survived several attempts on his life by Israeli forces.
In September 2025, he emerged unscathed from an Israeli attack aimed at a gathering of Hamas leaders in Doha, which resulted in the deaths of five lower-tier group members, including one of his sons.
In 2007, an Israeli airstrike targeted his family residence, resulting in the deaths of eight relatives. Additionally, two of his sons lost their lives in earlier Israeli assaults, and another son perished in an Israeli strike on Gaza in May.
Another son, Hamza, who served as a field commander within the Qassam Brigades, lost his life during clashes in 2008.
He assumes leadership amid heightened Israeli military actions against Gaza, with Hamas maintaining its opposition to the occupation.
