New Hamas document now followed by new leader

Published: 6 May 2017

Last updated: 4 March 2024

Ismail Haniyeh was elected yesterday to replace Khaled Meshaal. The 1988 Hamas charter remains ’as an historic document that relates to a particular moment in the organisation’s history’. But the new document (not called a charter) is now Hamas’ official ideological platform.

Gaza chief Haniyeh rises in the ranks to become Hamas chairman – Adam Rasgon – The Jerusalem Post 06.05.17

PLO says it hopes Haniyeh’s election will hasten end of split between West Bank and Gaza.

Why Hamas’ new charter is aimed at Palestinians, not Israelis – Amira Hass – Haaretz 03.05.17
Hamas’ hard-line new ‘Document of General Principles and Policies’ is based on one key notion: the concessions made by the PLO and Abbas' dominant Fatah faction haven't made Israel change.

Hamas pulls old Israeli trick in new charter – Zvi Bar’el – Haaretz 05.05.17

‘Why were you [Israel] willing to embrace the original charter as an authentic definition of the movement, which made it easier for you to describe it as a terrorist organization, but when we seek to change our image – in a document, and not just with statements – you accuse us of fraud?’

And see: Hamas presents new charter