Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 8, 2017
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 8, 2017
New Hamas chief makes 1st public appearance in native Gaza
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleThe new Hamas leader makes his first public appearance, visiting a solidarity tent for hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Ismail Haniyeh stops by the tent, two days after Hamas announced that the former Gaza prime minister replaced Qatar-based Khaled Mashaal in the terror group’s top position.
Haniyeh’s rise is the latest sign of a power shift in Hamas from the diaspora to Gaza, which has been under Hamas rule since a 2007 takeover.
This shift comes at a time of growing financial pressure on Gaza by Hamas’ main rival, Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is trying to force the group to cede ground.
— AP
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