Hamas' leader abroad congratulates new head of political bureau

Khaled Mashal, Hamas' leader abroad, has congratulated Khalil al-Hayya on his election as head of the group's Political Bureau and expressed his readiness to work with the movement's new leadership.

In a statement, Mashal says he supports al-Hayya's leadership, Caliber.Az reports, citing Palestinian media.

"Together on the path to freedom, resisting the occupation and, God willing, fulfilling our people's aspirations for liberation, return and independence," Mashal noted.

Mashal was also a candidate for the post of head of Hamas' Political Bureau and contested the election against al-Hayya.

According to media reports, al-Hayya won by four votes, receiving 36 votes to Mashal's 32, while one ballot was left blank.

A total of 69 members of Hamas' consultative Shura Council took part in the vote.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov