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Source: http://www.timesofisrael.com/new-leader-same-old-hamas-with-gazans-now-firmly-in-control/
Ismail Haniyeh Becomes Head of Hamas
(Times of Israel) Avi Issacharoff - Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Mashaal announced Saturday that Ismail Haniyeh has been chosen as his successor. For 21 years the political bureau was headed by Mashaal, a native of the West Bank. Haniyeh is a Gaza native and his appointment signifies the Gazan takeover of Hamas. Haniyeh, 54, has often threatened Israel in speeches and at rallies, and has praised the killing of Israeli civilians in terror attacks. He has pledged to continue violent opposition to Israel until it is "liberated." Haniyeh enjoys widespread support among Palestinians both in Gaza and the West Bank. Polls taken in recent years show that Haniyeh would defeat PA President Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas' strategy is to turn itself into an alternative to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the representative of the Palestinians.