Following the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar at the hands of Israeli troops last week, two Hamas sources have revealed that the Palestinian operator group is leaning towards appointing a ruling committee based in Doha rather than a single successor. The decision to delay appointing a new chief until the next elections in March, if conditions allow, has been made to ensure a smooth transition of power within the organization.

The five-member committee, established in August after the assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh, will temporarily take over leadership duties. This committee was put in place to streamline decision-making processes, especially given the challenges of communicating with Sinwar in Gaza prior to his death.

The committee comprises representatives from different Palestinian territories and communities, including Khalil al-Hayya for Gaza, Zaher Jabarin for the West Bank, and Khaled Meshaal for Palestinians living abroad. It also includes Mohammed Darwish, head of Hamas’s Shura advisory council, and an unnamed secretary of the political bureau for security reasons.

All current committee members are currently based in Qatar and have been entrusted with overseeing the movement during times of conflict and uncertainty, as well as shaping its future strategies.

While there was internal discussion within Hamas leadership about appointing a new political chief discreetly, the decision to govern through the committee was ultimately favored. Sinwar’s death occurred amidst an ongoing conflict in Gaza that began following Hamas’s attack on October 7.

(This article is based on information from sources within Hamas and has not been altered by NDTV staff. It is shared from a syndicated feed.)