New Hamas chief outlines agenda, prioritising end to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza

Newly elected Hamas chief Khalil al Hayya has outlined six priorities for the Palestinian resistance group, placing a comprehensive end to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and a full Israeli withdrawal from the enclave at the top of the agenda.

In his first televised speech on Wednesday after assuming the post, Hayya called on countries mediating ceasefire negotiations to pressure the Israeli government to implement existing agreements and move to the next phase of the process.

He said Hamas’ second priority is restoring “dignified living conditions for Palestinians in Gaza, thwarting displacement plans, accelerating reconstruction efforts and securing the release of prisoners.”

The third priority, he said, is achieving Palestinian unity by launching an immediate national dialogue to rebuild Palestinian institutions, particularly the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), on what he described as democratic and consensual foundations.

Hayya said the fourth priority is strengthening Hamas’ relations with Arab and Muslim countries.