According to a report by Asharq Al-Awsat on April 4, Israeli assassinations of senior Hamas leaders since the start of the war have significantly disrupted the group’s leadership structure and decision-making process.
Hamas is facing major challenges in restoring its leadership after losing key figures in its political, military, and administrative wings — both within Gaza and abroad.
During a temporary ceasefire, Hamas attempted to rebuild its internal leadership by appointing new officials. There were growing calls to formally appoint Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was eliminated by the IDF in Rafah in October 2024. Al-Hayya, based in Qatar and active in regional diplomacy, tried coordinating with Gaza-based leaders, but many — including senior political bureau members — were killed in renewed Israeli airstrikes.
The assassinations left Hamas struggling to manage internal affairs. Hamas sources told the newspaper that due to ongoing Israeli operations, the group delayed civil servant salaries, while fighters and political staff only received partial pay during Eid al-Fitr (up to 60%). The chaos stems from leadership gaps and intense Israeli intelligence surveillance targeting those managing finances and operations inside Gaza.
Previously, the political bureau in Gaza managed most of Hamas's key operations. The loss of its leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh (killed in Tehran, July 2024) and his successor Yahya Sinwar, prompted the creation of a new body — The Leadership Council. Without the ability to hold internal elections, Hamas shifted to a collective leadership model, where decisions are made unanimously by regional heads from Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad.
Mohammed Darwish, head of Hamas’s Shura Council, now leads the council after his predecessor, Osama al-Mazini, was killed in October 2023. The council consists of 5–7 members, while the political bureau originally had over 20. At least 15 top leaders in Gaza have been eliminated by Israel. The council only consults remaining political bureau members in urgent matters.
Strategic decisions, especially related to ceasefire negotiations and hostage issues, must involve the military wing, led by Mohammed Sinwar (Yahya's brother), after Israel killed Hamas’s military chief Mohammed Deif and his deputy Marwan Issa.
Despite its weakened state, Hamas has refused to re-enter negotiations with Israel or discuss the Witkoff Framework. Israeli defense officials argue this is precisely why military pressure must be intensified.