Hamas elects Haniyeh as new political chief - spokesman
GAZA (Reuters) - The Palestinian movement Hamas elected Ismail Haniyeh to lead its political office on Saturday, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum told Reuters in Gaza. Former deputy chief Haniyeh will replace Qatar-based veteran leader Khaled Meshaal, who is stepping down from the group just as it softened its stance toward Israel in a new policy document last week. (Reporting By Nidal al-Mughrabi; Writing by Noah Browning; Editing by Keith Weir)