Tel Aviv, July 22 (dpa/GNA) – The newly appointed leader of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya, pledged on Wednesday to continue the organization’s existing course, saying his top priority is to restore a dignified life for people in the Gaza Strip.
In his first address since being elected Hamas leader on Monday, al-Hayya called for an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, a comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. He also urged the international community to pressure Israel to fulfil its commitments under the Middle East peace plan, brokered by US President Donald Trump.
The plan includes the disarmament of Hamas, a key condition for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Al-Hayya did not address that issue in his speech.
A ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since October 2025, although Israeli strikes and other armed incidents have continued to claim lives. According to varying estimates, Israel controls between 65% and 70% of the Palestinian territory.
Middle East experts say Hamas has consolidated its rule in the areas that remain under its control. The 65-year-old al-Hayya was born in the Gaza Strip but has spent most of the past several years in Qatar.
Last year, the Israeli Air Force attempted to strike Hamas’ leadership in the Qatari capital Doha, with al-Hayya said to have been among the intended targets.
Four of al-Hayya’s sons have been killed in Israeli attacks, including one in the strike on Doha.
GNA