Hamas is preparing to elect a new leader and deputy leader, with frontrunners Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal emerging for the top post. The election follows the deaths of previous leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. The process involves a secret ballot by Hamas' Shoura Council. The group faces significant pressure from ongoing conflict with Israel, internal criticism in Gaza, and international calls for disarmament. Meshaal is seen as pragmatic with Sunni ties, while Hayya is associated with strengthening ties with Iran.