Hamas will hold internal elections in Gaza next week to choose the head of its political bureau in the area. The Arab48 news website, citing the Al Arabi Al Jadid newspaper, reported that Ali al-‘Amudi is the most likely candidate to succeed Khalil al-Hayya.

Ali al-‘Amudi is a senior Hamas official and head of the group’s media department. He also appears as a Hamas spokesperson and oversees the group’s messaging.

Based on a report by the Meir Amit Institute, al-‘Amudi currently heads the Gaza Strip region within Hamas and was expected to be appointed as the head of the group’s political bureau in Gaza.

He previously also held this post on a temporary basis between the months of Dey and Esfand of last year.