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Haniyeh in Qatar, after Turkey, on Third Leg of Long Tour

Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh. (Reuters)
Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh. (Reuters)
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Haniyeh in Qatar, after Turkey, on Third Leg of Long Tour

Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh. (Reuters)
Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh. (Reuters)

A delegation from Hamas, led by its political bureau chief Ismail Hanyieh, met in Doha on Monday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

A statement by Haniyeh’s office said that the delegation provided “a full explanation about the latest political developments, especially those relating to strategic issues, including Jerusalem, illegal Israeli settlements and refugees, as well as threats to the Palestinian Cause.”

According to the statement, the delegation underlined the Qatari leadership’s role in various international forum in support of Palestine, as well as the relief and humanitarian projects offered to the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The meeting saw “in-depth” discussions over the Palestinian elections and the requirements for its success.

Haniyeh stressed in this regard the importance of “providing the required environment and public freedoms in the West Bank and Gaza, in order to achieve comprehensive national reconciliation and rebuild the official Palestinian institution on the basis of partnership and democracy.”

Haniyeh had arrived in Doha on Sunday, on the third leg of his foreign tour that saw him visit Egypt and Turkey.

In Istanbul, he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Turkish officials.

A source in Hamas said that Haniyeh’s foreign tour could last for several months and include Russia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Kuwait and possibly Iran.

Sources said that Haniyeh might settle in Doha for several months, from where he would visit other countries.

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Hezbollah Faces a Choice: Adapt to Change or Return to Conflict

An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
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Hezbollah Faces a Choice: Adapt to Change or Return to Conflict

An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP
An image grab shows Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem delivering a televised speech from an undisclosed location. AFP

In his recent speech, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem sent several messages to both Lebanon and the wider world, suggesting that the post-war era will be different from the past.

While he declared victory over Israel, he also signaled a shift towards political engagement under the Taif Agreement, highlighting the changes facing both Hezbollah and the broader “Resistance Axis.”

However, the victory Qassem spoke of does not reflect Lebanon's reality after the war.

Former minister Rashid Derbas argued that Hezbollah may claim victory, but in truth, Lebanon—both as a state and a people—has been defeated. He noted that Qassem's remarks are mainly aimed at rallying supporters, while the Lebanese people continue to suffer.

In a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat, Derbas said that while Sheikh Naim Qassem has the right to address his supporters this way, he views the overall tone of the speech as positive.

Derbas highlighted Qassem’s decision to return to political work under the Taif Agreement, his call for a swift presidential election, and his push for cooperation with the Lebanese army.

In his speech, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General outlined the party’s future vision, including high-level coordination with the Lebanese army, continued support for Palestine, and ongoing reconstruction efforts with the Lebanese state and international partners.

He emphasized that Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon will remain politically and economically influential, with a focus on completing constitutional institutions, starting with electing a new president.

The results of the war have forced Hezbollah to reassess its approach, pushing for deeper political integration in a more pragmatic manner than before.

Derbas praised Qassem’s agreement to withdraw completely north of the Litani River, signaling a shift away from confrontation with Israel. He noted that Hezbollah has come to realize that only Lebanon and the state can protect it, not Syria, Iraq, or Iran.

Regarding Hezbollah’s “army, people, and resistance” equation, Derbas pointed out the reality of Israel's military strength, which is linked to US weapons, and emphasized the need to rely on the state for protection.

He stressed that the party must return to a more realistic approach.

The tone of Hezbollah’s rhetoric after this war is different from its stance after the 2006 July War, which was more aggressive toward political forces.

Political analyst Qassem Qasir noted that the party is now acting with greater rationality, coordinating with the Lebanese state and army to implement UN Resolution 1701.

He called on all political groups to adopt a positive and non-provocative discourse that reflects Hezbollah’s openness toward all Lebanese factions.