GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – Senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was elected chief of the group's political bureau, a Hamas source said Saturday.
Haniyeh was selected in polls that were held Saturday in both the Gaza Strip and Doha simultaneously via video conference.
He will replace Khaled Meshaal, who has been Hamas political chief since 1996.
Hanieyh, a former prime minister, competed for the post along with senior Hamas leaders Moussa Abu Marzouk and Mohammed Nazzal.
He is now expected to leave the Gaza Strip and reside abroad.
"Living in Gaza is dangerous as he is likely to be targeted by Israel," the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.
"His position also requires him to be moving around and traveling," he added.