The future of the Gaza Strip is hanging in the balance as Hamas prepares to elect its first political leader since the death of Yahya Sinwar, a decision which could alter the future direction of the Palestinian militant group and the wider Middle East.
Depleted but still operational after more than two years of war with Israel, Hamas has been holding a highly secretive internal ballot for the past several weeks to decide who will run its political wing. The decision has long been delayed by Israel’s invasion and bombardment of the enclave, which has brutalised its civilian population.
