Hamas is going through one of the most difficult periods in its history.

The group, designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the United Kingdom, the United States and many other countries, has been severely weakened by the Gaza war, during which many of its senior military and political leaders have been killed, its government structures dismantled and large areas of Palestinian territory destroyed.

The leadership contest has exposed a growing strategic divide within Hamas over its future.

Meshaal, who previously led the movement for decades while in exile, is associated with the traditional leadership of Hamas.

Its supporters have argued that Hamas should learn lessons from the war, move away from a strategy focused primarily on armed confrontation and adopt a more pragmatic political approach while preserving the movement’s core goals.

However, Hayya’s supporters successfully argued that Gaza’s leaders, who had borne the brunt of the conflict, should now lead the movement. They want to stand firm in the face of pressure to make important concessions, particularly on the issue of disarmament.

Since signing a ceasefire agreement with Israel last October, Hamas has refused to hand over its weapons without a guaranteed political path to self-determination and the creation of a Palestinian state. He has rejected plans by the US-led Peace Board that prioritize immediate demilitarization over reconstruction.

Hamas complains that security guarantees are lacking against continued Israeli attacks and emerging rival armed groups.

Around 1,200 people were killed and another 251 taken hostage in the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023.

Israel responded by launching a massive military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 73,280 people have been killed, including 1,158 since the ceasefire began, according to the Hamas-run territory’s Health Ministry.