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Khalil al-Hayya

Khalil al-Hayya

Hamas chief negotiator; senior leader based outside Gaza

Appears in 2 stories

Notable Quotes

“We call on mediators… and especially… President Donald Trump… to oblig[e] Israel to respect the ceasefire.” — Khalil al-Hayya (Reuters)

"The formation of the committee is a step in the right direction." — Hamas statement on NCAG, January 2026

"The continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement... threaten the viability of the agreement." — December 2025

Stories

A commander’s funeral becomes a referendum on Gaza’s ceasefire

Force in Play

Leading Hamas ceasefire messaging; pressing U.S. and mediators to restrain Israel

A senior Hamas commander is killed in a targeted Israeli strike. The next day, thousands pack the streets of Gaza for his funeral, coffins hoisted shoulder-high, flags everywhere, chants loud enough to carry the message: Hamas is still here.

Updated Yesterday

Gaza's first new government in 18 years takes shape

Rule Changes

In Cairo for ceasefire discussions

Hamas has governed Gaza since June 2007. On January 15, 2026, a 15-member committee of Palestinian technocrats—none affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority—held its first meeting in Cairo. The next day, President Trump announced the Board of Peace's executive membership: himself as chair, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and others. By January 17, the arrangement had triggered a rare public dispute with Israel—Netanyahu's office declared the Board's composition "was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy."

Updated Jan 18