DOHA: Palestinian resistance movement Hamas unveiled a new policy document easing its stance on Israel after having called for years for the country´s destruction.
The move is termed a bid by the Palestinian movement to improve its international standing
The document was unveiled in the Qatari capital Doha by exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, who is due to step down soon after serving his maximum of two terms.
Meshaal said he hoped the new US administration would “act with more seriousness on the Palestinian cause and change its misconceptions about the Palestinian people.”
The press conference was also broadcast live in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave controlled by Hamas, and the document was posted on the movement´s website.
“We in Hamas believe that renewal and reinvention is a necessity,” Meshaal said at the event in a Doha hotel. While the new document does not amount to recognition of Israel as demanded by the international community, Hamas officials say, it formally softens its stance in a few key areas.
It also says its struggle is not against Jews because of their religion but against Israel as an occupier.
“We are not fighting against the Jews because they are Jewish,” said Meshaal. “We are waging this struggle against the aggression of Zionists.”
