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.
