The succession process at the head of Hamas, following the assassination of Haniya, could prove to be a chaotic and time consuming.
It could also pave the way for new pro-Iranian figures to rise to the top of Hamas.
One of the people believed to be a possible replacement is Yehia Shinvar (Yehiya Sinwar), current head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Believed to be the mastermind of the terrorist attack of Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023.
And there are at least two more senior Hamas officials who could succeed Haniya.
O Khalid Messal (pictured with Haniya), who is considered less extremist, may be up to the challenge of the new leadership. In fact, he led Hamas for years before Haniya, but his relations with Iran have always been difficult.
Another possible candidate is Zaher Jabarin (Zaher Jabareen), whose area of responsibility is generally Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Jabarin could play a key role in ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations with Israel.