Gaza 7 May (ANA) - The Palestinian militant group Hamas has announced that Ismail Haniya has been chosen as its new overall leader. He succeeds Khaled Meshaal, who has served the maximum two terms in office. Mr Haniya, 54, lives in Gaza, which Hamas has ruled since 2007, unlike Mr Meshaal, who lives in Qatar. Mr Haniya is seen as a pragmatist who will try to ease Hamas's international isolation. The group published a new policy document this week regarded as an attempt to soften its image. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum confirmed on Saturday that Mr Haniya had been selected as the politburo chief. (ANA)

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