Hamas will organize internal elections in 2026 to change its leadership, after the assassination of its leaders in the conflict with Israel.

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas is preparing to organize internal elections in the coming months, considering the need to change leadership after the death of its leaders in the War in Gaza. An official from the group announced that the appointment of a new leader could take place in the early months of 2026, including fighters currently in detention in Israel who will be able to vote. The war began with the attack on October 7, 2023, and since then, the Hamas hierarchy has been decapitated, and humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian enclave have drastically deteriorated.

The elections will include the election of the Shoura Council, which will appoint members of the Political Bureau. Two main candidates for leadership are Khalil al-Hayya, supported by the military wing, and Khaled Meshaal, a former head of the Political Bureau. Al-Hayya is known for his role in negotiations with Israel, while Meshaal has transformed Hamas into a hybrid entity, both terrorist and political. The electoral process is influenced by the difficult circumstances faced by the Palestinian people.