Hamas' newly elected Political Bureau Chief Halil el-Hayya announced the movement's priority goals in his first video message since taking office. El-Hayya's statements included calls for an end to the war in Gaza and a new chapter in Palestinian internal politics.
The Hamas leader stressed that the complete cessation of Israeli attacks was the most important goal as he listed his priorities. El-Hayya said, "I address the people of Gaza: We will continue to work by every possible means and in every field until we free you from pain and suffering."
I want to re-emphasize one of our priorities: the complete cessation of Israeli attacks. Another priority is ensuring that Palestinians can live a dignified life in Gaza; this is their inalienable right.
El-Hayya stated that the second priority was the reconstruction of Gaza and ensuring the right of Palestinians to a dignified life. He indicated the establishment of Palestinian national unity as the third priority.
The Hamas leader emphasized national unity, saying, "Therefore, we extend our hand to everyone. The current stage does not accept unilateral approaches or the exclusion of any segment."
Call to mediators in the ceasefire process
Touching on the process of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, El-Hayya said they appreciated the efforts of mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. El-Hayya called on the mediators to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to implement the ceasefire agreement and move to the next phase.
The Hamas leader stated that they would continue to work for the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, saying, "Protecting the West Bank is our responsibility and a duty upon us. We will continue the struggle in every field for Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Palestinian prisoners."
I appeal to the international community: If you cannot protect the people of Gaza, the concept of justice will completely disappear.
PLO reform and call for national dialogue
Halil el-Hayya also made an urgent call for national dialogue. The new Hamas leader proposed reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on a democratic and consensus-based basis. He stressed that this reform must ensure the full participation of all parties and end exclusionary policies.
El-Hayya stated that they intend to strengthen strategic relations with the Arab and Islamic world, and that Hamas is open to cooperation with everyone in order to protect the Palestinian cause and end the occupation.
The Hamas leader called on Arab and Islamic countries to take effective steps and increase pressure to stop the attacks on the Palestinian people. El-Hayya expressed his belief that the Palestinian people and the resistance would inevitably achieve victory, saying, "We will never give up Palestinian land."
