Skip to main content

Hamas appoints first woman to political bureau

Hamas announced March 14 appointing a woman as a member in its political bureau for the first time since its establishment in 1987, in an attempt to improve its image to the world and deny the patriarchal aspect of its leadership structure.
Palestinian Minister of Women's affairs Haifa al-Agha (L) sits next to her predecessor in Gaza Jamila al-Shanti as she attends her first meeting with the new Palestinian government on June 8, 2014 in Gaza city. A unity government sworn in on last week under a reconciliation deal between Hamas and the West Bank-based Palestinian leadership to end seven years of rival administrations in the two territories. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS        (Photo credit should read MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas announced March 14 the appointment of a woman as a member in its political bureau for the first time since its creation in 1987, as part of its current internal elections.

Jamila al-Shanti, 64, is the first woman to become a member of Hamas’ political bureau that is made up of 15 members.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.