On October 21, AFP reported that sources within Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, indicated that the organization is preparing to appoint a five-member committee based in Doha to temporarily take on leadership responsibilities. They clarified that Hamas will not elect a successor to the late leader Sinwar before the next leadership election.

According to the sources, this committee was formed in August following the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh. The committee consists of five members: Khalil Hayah representing the Gaza Strip, Zahir Jabari representing the West Bank, and Khaled Mashal representing Palestinians abroad. The other two members are Mohammed Darwish, the chairman of the Hamas Consultative Council, and the secretary of the Hamas Political Bureau, whose identity remains confidential for security reasons.

The sources further mentioned that the committee’s mandate is to “manage the movement during times of war and under special circumstances, as well as to formulate future plans.” It holds the authority to “make strategic decisions.”

Additionally, another Hamas source revealed that the leadership has discussed an “internal” proposal to appoint a political leader, although no names have been disclosed.