Hamas to hold internal elections in Gaza with Ali al-Amoudi as frontrunner

Hamas is expected to hold internal elections in the Gaza Strip next week to select a new head for its political office in the territory. Sources indicate that leader Ali al-Amoudi is the frontrunner to succeed Khalil al-Hayya.

Al-Amoudi is noted for his close ties to the late Yahya Sinwar, but he has also emerged as a proponent of a more pragmatic political approach for the post-war period. He has reportedly supported the political roadmap proposed by Peace Council envoy Nikolai Maladinov and advocates for Hamas's participation in the Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for November.

Al-Amoudi also played a supportive role in reaching the ceasefire agreement in October 2025. The movement’s leadership structure divides its organization into three main regions: the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the external diaspora. Under this system, the head of the Gaza political office is elected every four years.