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New Hamas chief makes 1st public appearance in native Gaza

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    File - In this Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 file photo, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh greets supporters during a rally to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Hamas militant group in Jebaliya in the northern Gaza Strip. Hamas is confirming that its former Gaza prime minister Ismail Haniyeh has been chosen as the Islamic militant group's top leader. Hamas spokesman said Haniyeh was picked Saturday May 6, 2017 as Hamas politburo chief. He replaces Khaled Mashaal, its longtime leader. (AP Photo/Adel Hana, File) (The Associated Press)

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    Ismail Haniyeh, the new Hamas leader speaks to the press during his visit to a solidarity tent for hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, at the main square in Gaza City, Monday, May 8, 2017. Ismail Haniyeh stopped by the tent Monday, two days after Hamas announced that the former Gaza prime minister replaced Qatar-based Khaled Mashaal in the Islamic militant group's top position. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) (The Associated Press)

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    Ismail Haniyeh, the new Hamas leader speaks to the press during his visit to a solidarity tent for hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, at the main square in Gaza City, Monday, May 8, 2017. Ismail Haniyeh stopped by the tent Monday, two days after Hamas announced that the former Gaza prime minister replaced Qatar-based Khaled Mashaal in the Islamic militant group's top position. (AP Photo/Adel Hana) (The Associated Press)

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The new Hamas leader has made his first public appearance, visiting a solidarity tent for hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Ismail Haniyeh stopped by the tent Monday, two days after Hamas announced that the former Gaza prime minister replaced Qatar-based Khaled Mashaal in the Islamic militant group's top position.

Haniyeh's rise was 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.

Haniyeh also faces movement restrictions that could limit his leadership role; an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade has largely sealed Gaza since 2007.