Who will be next Hamas chief? Looking at Yahya Sinwar's likely successors

Successor to Yahya Sinwar in Hamas: The recent assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces has raised crucial questions about the future leadership of the organization. Sinwar’s death, occurring in the wake of the October 7 massacre, has left a significant power void in Hamas, and whoever succeeds him will greatly influence the ongoing conflict. Here’s a look at the potential candidates to take over the reins of the Palestinian group.

Yahya Sinwar's Assassination creating a leadership vacuum for Hamas

Yahya Sinwar, 61, who had led Hamas in Gaza since 2017 and was a key figure in the group's activities, was killed in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike in Rafah. Known as a staunch advocate of militant operations, Sinwar’s death came as the IDF engaged Hamas fighters, firing a tank shell into a building where his body was later discovered in the rubble.

Having assumed leadership of Hamas after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Sinwar had become a symbol of Hamas' aggressive stance against Israel. His killing has left Hamas without a central figure to guide its future strategies. Here is a list of likely successors who might lead Hamas in stead of Yahya Sinwar:  

1. Mohammed Sinwar

Among the top contenders is Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of the late Yahya Sinwar. A military commander in Hamas, Mohammed Sinwar is a potential candidate due to his family connections and his involvement in the group’s military operations. At 49, he has kept a low profile, but his role in planning key attacks, including the October 7 incident, makes him a significant figure. However, he lacks the leadership charisma of his brother.

2. Khalil Al Hayya

Khalil Al Hayya, Hamas' chief negotiator, is another strong candidate. A close deputy to Yahya Sinwar, Al Hayya has been involved in multiple ceasefire talks and is seen as a potential figure to lead Hamas into a more diplomatically focused future. His ascent could mark a shift in strategy toward negotiations, as he previously hinted at disarming Hamas in exchange for Palestinian statehood—a proposal met with strong opposition from Israel.

3. Mohammed Deif

Mohammed Deif, the shadowy leader of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is another leading candidate. Known as "The Mastermind" of Hamas' military operations, Deif is a notorious figure who has survived multiple assassination attempts. He played a pivotal role in developing Hamas’ tunnel networks and was behind major attacks against Israel. Deif remains one of Israel’s most-wanted figures and is a possible successor due to his military prowess.

4. Khaled Meshaal

Finally, Khaled Meshaal, one of Hamas' founding members, could make a return to leadership. Despite surviving an assassination attempt in 1997, Meshaal has remained a key figure, living in exile in Qatar. His experience and connections within the organization make him a possible candidate for a leadership role, although his current distance from Gaza could be a barrier.

What is the future of Hamas leadership?

With Yahya Sinwar's death, Hamas finds itself at a crossroads. The next leader will shape the organization’s future, whether it continues its aggressive military stance or pivots toward diplomacy. Mohammed Sinwar, Khalil Al Hayya, Mohammed Deif, and Khaled Meshaal all bring unique qualities to the table, and their leadership could dictate the future trajectory of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.