Photo: depositphotos.
In light of the recent events surrounding the assassination of Yahya Sinwar in Rafah, the Hamas terrorist organisation is reviewing its leadership. According to information received from Hamas representatives, a new governing council based in Qatar has been formed by five senior officials who will replace the eliminated leader. This was reported by the TimeUkraineIsrael portal with reference to Ynet.
The new leadership of Hamas
Hamas’ five-member governing council includes former head of the political bureau Khaled Mashal, deputy Sinwar Khalil al-Hiya, “economic brain” Zahar Jabarin, the head of the Shura Council, Muhammad Darwish, and another senior official whose identity is not being disclosed for security reasons. This council will run the terrorist organisation until new elections are held in March, if conditions permit.
Strategic changes in Hamas
The installation of the new leadership signals a change in Hamas’ strategy as it attempts to adapt to the new realities following Sinwar’s death. The new council’s approach is to maintain stability within the organisation, avoid a sudden change of leadership and ensure a smooth transition to the new political reality.
Members of the new board
Khaled Mashal is one of the most influential political leaders of Hamas, having previously led the organisation for 21 years. His views, particularly on relations with Iran, differ somewhat from Sinwar’s. He is currently based in Qatar, where he is active.
Khaled Mashal.Photo: AP Photo/Osama Faisal)
Khalil al-Hiya is Sinwar’s deputy, who left the Gaza Strip before 7 October. He is actively involved in negotiating peace agreements and has close ties to Iran. Al-Hiya is also part of the military council that planned the 7 October attack.
Khalil al-Hija
Zahar Jabarin is responsible for Hamas’s financial affairs, managing the organisation’s economic ties, including funding from Iran. His role in Hamas’s economic support is key to the terrorist organisation’s future activities.
Zakhar Jabarin
Muhammad Darwish is the chairman of the Hamas Shura Council, about whom less is known, but his participation in the new leadership may indicate new directions in the organisation’s policy.
Dervish with Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad Nachal
Concluding remarks
The change of Hamas leadership demonstrates the organisation’s desire to maintain control over the situation and continue its activities. However, this new phase also opens up opportunities for further pressure from the international community and Israeli efforts to counter terrorist threats. Time will tell how the situation in the region will evolve, but one thing remains certain: the security of Israel and its citizens is the number one priority in this complex and dynamic environment.
