Yahya Sinwar re-elected as Hamas chief in Gaza Strip

Yahya Sinwar has been re-elected as leader of Hamas’s political wing in the Gaza Strip for a second four-year term, according to officials with the group running the besieged enclave.

His re-election on Wednesday comes before May 22 Palestinian legislative polls, the first Palestinian vote in 15 years.

Ismail Haniya, chief of Hamas’s political bureau and overall leader, congratulated Sinwar in a statement.

“The movement’s commitment to [internal] elections every four years confirms our deep faith in the principle of rotating power,” he said. “Today, the Hamas movement recorded a milestone in its history and is choosing its leaders in Gaza in a way that reflects authenticity and solid legitimacy.”

Palestinian news agency Maan quoted a Hamas source as saying that Sinwar won 167 out of 320 votes in Gaza’s Shura Council.