JERUSALEM (May 7, 2017): Hamas’ Shura Council has chosen Ismail Haniya, the former prime minister of Palestine, as president of the Hamas political bureau on Saturday.
Haniya succeeds Khaled Meshaal, who has served the maximum two terms in office. Khaled Meshaal, who preceded Haniya as leader of the movement’s political wing, confirmed the transition of power and said, “I would like to announce that this new council has elected Abu al-Abed, my brother Ismail Haniya, the president of the political bureau of the movement.”
Hamas’ Shura Council chose Ismail Haniya to become the new leader. The Shura Council will decide whether Haniya will follow the example of Meshaal and live outside Gaza.
It is pertinent to mention here that this week, Hamas issued a new policy document that for the first time indicated the group was willing to accept the idea of a future Palestinian state falling within borders that existed in 1967 before Israel took control of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Hamas unveils new policy accepting Palestinian state with 1967 borders
