Politburo presidency conflict denied by leader

The leader of the Hamas movement, Salah al Bardawil, declared the reason behind Hamas Politburo Chief, Khaled Mashaal’s decision not to re-run for the election as Party Chief was so that he could take a “warrior break.” He also added that his position will be the same in front of all the members of the movement. However, his successor will be decided in upcoming advisory elections. In a press statement Bardawil said: “Hamas leadership positions are considered mandate and not honours. Hamas Politburo Chief, Khaled Mashaal has done very well in his 16 years leading the movement in difficult conditions.” Bardawil stressed that the political programme for the movements’ leadership is defined by the councils belonging to advisory institutions and there is a whole institution working on that. The policies set by the former advisory committees were respected and applies to all. He denied influence of the guidance office of the Muslim Brotherhood on the internal affairs of Hamas, stressing that the internal decision is taken inside the advisory councils of the movement. Bardawil denied any conflicts about the presidency of the Politburo adding that when Mashaal had stated his decision to not run again, a message was sent to him from the movement’s leaders unanimously in Gaza asking him to change his mind. Bardawil stated that the Arab Spring revolution two years ago also had a significant influence on Hamas programme. Informed sources have said that there is a serious discussion about the identity of the new the Politburo Chief and potential candidates could be Prime Minister of the dismissed government, Ismail Haniyeh, Deputy Head of Hamas Politburo, Mousa Abu Marzouqm or even Abu Marzouq. Bardawil said the Palestinian reconciliation and arranging the Palestinian House are the most important issues on the agenda of the Palestinian government in Gaza. Hamas’s vision of the reconciliation is based on the application of the entire statement of the agreement, especially after the continuous harassment of the Israeli occupation from economic and financial siege on Gaza Strip and the West Bank.