Hamas approves political bureau re-shuffle

Hamas officials have approved an internal re-shuffle following elections last month, sources said on Sunday. Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh assumes the position of deputy political bureau chief, second to leader Khaled Meshaal, on top of his leadership position in the Gaza Strip. Leading Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk has taken control of media duties while Saleh Aruri is now in charge of relations with the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank. Moses Dodoin now runs the prisoners department in Gaza and Nizar Awadallah heads the financial organisation. Sources were unable to confirm what roles Rohy Moshtaha, Yahya Sinwar and Maher Obeid had been given in the re-shuffle. Priorities now facing the Hamas political leadership included redefining a strategy of resistance against the Israeli occupation, reportedly aiming to place more emphasis on attack rather than defence. Palestinian national reconciliation with Fatah and other factions will also be important, sources suggested. Hamas internal elections in April saw prominent members Mahmoud al-Zahar, Sami Khater and Ezzat Rashq ousted in a surprise move, while Khaled Meshaal was reinstated as political bureau chief. This will be Meshaal’s final term as leader, due to laws that prohibit bureau chiefs from serving more than two terms in power.