New Hamas chief outlines priorities in first address after taking leadership
Khalil al-Hayya pledges to rebuild Gaza, seek permanent ceasefire, pursue Palestinian unity and secure release of prisoners in first televised speech
GAZA CITY, Palestine (MNTV) — Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya has pledged to prioritize Gaza’s reconstruction, pursue a permanent ceasefire and work toward the establishment of a unified Palestinian state in his first televised address since being elected head of the group’s political bureau.
Addressing Palestinians in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, al-Hayya said Hamas would continue efforts to achieve a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to Palestinian unity and said Jerusalem remained central to the Palestinian national cause.
Al-Hayya promised that rebuilding Gaza and improving living conditions for residents would be among Hamas’ top priorities.
He said the group would work to ease the humanitarian suffering caused by the war and reject any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from the territory.
He also vowed to continue efforts to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, describing their freedom as a national priority and praising what he called the resilience of Palestinians living under occupation and in exile.
Calling for an immediate and permanent end to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, al-Hayya said lasting regional stability could only be achieved by addressing Palestinian rights and ensuring justice for the Palestinian people.
The Hamas leader thanked Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye for their mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and urged international mediators to pressure Israel to implement the terms of the US-backed ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025.
Al-Hayya was elected by Hamas’ General Shura Council earlier this week after defeating former political chief Khaled Meshaal in a run-off vote.
He succeeds Yahya Sinwar, who was killed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in 2024. Until his election, Hamas had been led by a five-member leadership council that included al-Hayya.
Concluding his address, al-Hayya said Hamas would continue working alongside Palestinians and international supporters to rebuild Gaza and pursue what he described as the Palestinian people’s national aspirations.
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