Hamas reportedly holds leadership vote at critical moment for militant group

The Guardian World

by Julian Borger in Jerusalem

February 20, 2026

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Hamas is reportedly holding leadership elections at a pivotal moment for the militant Palestinian group, which could shape its future direction and influence on peace efforts in Gaza. According to reports from the BBC and Gulf-based media, voting has already begun in Gaza, with members in the West Bank, Israeli prisons, and the diaspora expected to participate as well. The process involves selecting delegates to the 50-member Shura council, which will ultimately determine the new politburo and interim leader of the group. This election marks a significant turning point for Hamas, as the incoming leadership will face critical decisions, including how to engage with U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza plan and navigate internal divisions. The timing of these elections is particularly crucial for Hamas, as it seeks to redefine its strategy amid shifting regional dynamics and international pressures. The group has long been a key player in Palestinian politics, but recent years have seen growing challenges to its authority, both from within the movement and externally. The Shura council’s decision-making process could take several weeks, reflecting the complexity of coordinating votes among members dispersed across different regions, including Gaza, the West Bank, Israeli prisons, and global diaspora communities. This leadership transition comes at a time when Hamas’s relationship with the outside world is under scrutiny. The new leader will need to balance internal stability with external relations, particularly as Trump’s administration pushes forward with its Middle East peace plan, which has been widely criticized by Palestinian factions. The outcome of these elections could influence whether Hamas moves toward greater cooperation or continues to adopt a more confrontational stance with

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026