Hamas Appoints Senior Political Leader Khalil Al-Hayya as New Chief

Kathmandu. Palestinian group Hamas has appointed its senior political leader Khalil Al-Hayya as its new chief. According to Reuters, Hamas has elevated one of the group's most experienced individuals to the highest position.

Al-Hayya, who has been active in Hamas's political leadership for a long time, has played an important role in ceasefire negotiations with Israel and especially in managing relations with regional allies including Iran.

Born in 1960 in the Gaza Strip, Al-Hayya joined the Muslim Brotherhood in the early 1980s, before the establishment of Hamas in 1987.

Strengthening his hold within the organization over the decades, he worked closely with former leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.

Al-Hayya has been at the center of Hamas's diplomatic efforts. He has assisted in mediating ceasefire negotiations with Israel, including the talks that ended the 2014 Gaza conflict, as well as recent efforts to stop the ongoing war.

He has maintained close ties with Hamas's main supporter, Iran, and has also served as the group's main representative to the Arab and Islamic world.