Hamas Leader Khalil al-Hayya Rejects Israeli Election Change, Calls for Unity with Mahmoud Abbas

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya dismissed the prospect of change emerging from Israel's upcoming election, stating in an interview that Palestinians have endured under every Israeli party. Speaking to the Qatari broadcaster Al-Araby on Saturday, al-Hayya said he expected Israeli politicians to campaign using Gaza's "blood." He declared that Hamas refuses to let the blood, suffering and cause of the Palestinian people serve as fuel for Israeli elections, adding that what matters is that Palestinians achieve their goals, aspirations and legitimate rights. Al-Hayya also said Hamas was prepared to engage with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to achieve genuine unity. The comments came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tight contest in the October 27 election as he seeks to remain in power.