00:00In the shadow of war, amid rubble and uncertainty, Hamas is preparing for a critical internal battle, not on the battlefield, but at the ballot box.
00:21As a fragile ceasefire struggles to hold in Gaza, the militant group is moving ahead with leadership elections that could reshape its future and impact the region's already volatile balance.
00:34The move comes months after the death of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas's political bureau chief, who was elected in August 2024, following the killing of Ismail Hanya in an Israeli strike.
00:49Since Sinwar's death, Hamas has been operating under temporary arrangements, but insiders say the transition phase is ending.
00:58Two names now dominate internal discussions, Halil al-Hayya, Hamas's top leader inside Gaza, and Khaled Mashal, who heads the movement abroad.
01:10Sources indicate al-Hayya holds a clear edge, backed by leadership in the West Bank and the powerful al-Qassam brigades.
01:19According to sources, Hamas plans to begin elections in January.
01:23The process starts with regional votes in Gaza, the West Bank, and abroad, followed by the General Shura Council, and finally, the election of the political bureau and overall leader.
01:35Despite Israeli strikes and assassinations, Hamas insists there is no leadership vacuum.
01:42Vacancies left by killed commanders were filled immediately, communication channels remain intact, and Gaza is fully prepared for the electoral process, according to the movement.
01:54All this unfolds as the October 10th ceasefire remains fragile.
01:59Talks on phase two, including disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and Gaza's future governance, have stalled.
02:07Since the truce began, Gaza health officials report hundreds killed and over a thousand wounded.
02:14With Israel's prime minister expected in Washington and international pressure mounting,
02:20Hamas's leadership choice could influence ceasefire negotiations, Gaza's governance, and the group's military posture going into 2026.
02:30As Gaza mourns, rebuilds, and counts its dead, Hamas is quietly preparing for a defining moment.
02:38Whether this internal vote brings consolidation or confrontation may determine not just the movement's direction, but the next chapter of the conflict itself.
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