New Hamas leader outlines priorities in Gaza - demands end to war with Israel

The new leader of Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya, has presented the Palestinian organization's six main priorities, setting as the main objective the end of the Israeli military offensive in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

In his first televised speech after being elected head of Hamas's political bureau, Al-Hayya called on the countries mediating in the ceasefire negotiations to put pressure on the Israeli government to implement existing agreements and move to the next stages of the peace process.

As a second priority, he mentioned the reconstruction of Gaza and the restoration of living conditions for Palestinians. According to him, plans for population displacement must be prevented, reconstruction efforts must be accelerated, and Palestinian prisoners must be released.

Hamas' third priority, according to Al-Hayya, is achieving Palestinian unity through a national dialogue that will aim to reform Palestinian institutions, including the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

He also stated that Hamas aims to strengthen relations with Arab and Muslim countries and asked these countries to take more concrete measures to increase international pressure on Israel to stop military operations in Gaza.

The final priority presented by the Hamas leader relates to the role of the international community and the United Nations, which he called on to protect the Palestinians and seek accountability for war crimes.

Hamas announced that Khalil al-Hayya has been elected head of the organization's political bureau, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in an Israeli attack in Rafah in October 2024.

The war in Gaza began in October 2023 after Hamas attacked Israel. According to data cited in the report, the Israeli offensive has caused over 73,000 deaths and about 174,000 injuries, while large parts of Gaza territory have been destroyed before a ceasefire agreement was reached. /Telegraph/ ...