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The vote is taking place among members in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and other locations.

The outcome could indicate the direction the movement plans to take, particularly as the United States and other mediators discuss Gaza’s post-war governance, reconstruction efforts, and the future status of armed groups there.

The elections come after most of Hamas’s senior leadership was killed in Israeli strikes following the group’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage.

According to sources, people in Gaza have already cast their votes secretly, but it remains unclear whether the process has been completed elsewhere. The new leader will serve for one year once announced.

Hamas governs the Gaza Strip and, although it has gained increasing support in the West Bank in recent years, its activities there are largely restricted by the Israeli army and Palestinian Authority security forces.

Khaled Meshaal, who was part of Hamas’s former leadership and previously headed the organization, is said to be one of the leading candidates.