New Hamas chief's first speech reflects strategic shift
Ismail Haniyeh's maiden speech as the head of Hamas' political bureau was uncharacteristically dry and vague for the movement, avoiding potentially divisive policy details and providing leeway for any future shift in positions.
Hamas’ political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh delivered a speech July 5 at the Movenpick Hotel in the Gaza Strip. It was his first since being elected to head the movement's political bureau May 6.
The two-hour gathering, which included nearly 1,000 political, media and religious figures, was closely followed by writers, analysts and journalists.
Haniyeh’s speech addressed key issues, including Palestinian confrontations with the Israeli forces, especially in the West Bank where Palestinians are facing racial discrimination. He also touched on the Palestinian refugees’ situation in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, as well as the suffering of Palestinians inside Gaza itself.
Haniyeh announced a political initiative based on common Palestinian goals, a national unity government that meets its commitments toward the Palestinian people, holding legislative and presidential elections, empowering the Palestinian Legislative Council and halting security coordination with Israel.
