Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya reappears after Israeli attack on Doha

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior figure in Hamas and head of the negotiating team, appeared publicly in Doha on Saturday for the first time since Israel’s targeted killings of resistance leaders.

In his address to the Palestinians, Al-Hayya recalled the incident that took place on September 9 in which six individuals, including his son Hammam and his office manager Jihad Labad, were killed.

“Today we live in the shadow of pain and in the shadow of pride and dignity,” he declared.

Despite his sorrow, Al-Hayya expressed pride in the fallen, especially his son, for giving their lives in pursuit of Palestinian liberation from Israeli occupation, backed by the United States.

He asserted that he saw no distinction between his loved ones and the countless Palestinians in Gaza, who continue to be butchered every day amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign since October 2023.

“I do not differentiate between them and any Palestinian child in Gaza killed by the Israeli occupation forces,” he said. “Because all of them died due to the occupation.”

Al-Hayya honored the century-long Palestinian resistance against Israeli expansionism and Western complicity.

“We are part of this great family—the Palestinian people—especially the people of Gaza, who today embody the nation through their resilience and sacrifices, which are historically rare. Our cause spans more than 100 years.”

He concluded with a prayer for divine support and a hopeful vision of national victory and dignity.