Al Hayya, who was born in 1960, is one of Hamas's most influential senior figures. Before his election, he headed the group's political bureau in Gaza and served as its chief negotiator in indirect talks with Israel, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, on a ceasefire and hostage exchange in Gaza.
After the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in 2024, Hamas was led by a 5-member leadership council, with al Hayya in a central role.
His election formalizes his position as the head of Hamas and places him in charge of overseeing Hamas political activities.
