Cairo, Jan, 28 (dpa/GNA) – Palestinian militant organization, Hamas, could be prepared to accept another power in charge of the Gaza Strip, according to a senior representative of the Islamist group.
Hamas is not seeking to retain control of the territory, Mousa Abu Marzouk told dpa, confirming previous media reports.
Prior to the Gaza war, which broke out in October 2023 following Hamas’ unprecedented attack on southern Israeli communities, Hamas had ruled the Palestinian territory since 2007.
However, Hamas is now trying to obtain guarantees from the states that mediated the current ceasefire – Qatar, Egypt and the United States – that the rights of its officials will be protected, according to dpa sources.
The Islamist group have demonstrated their continuing strength in Gaza during the release of Israeli hostages. Dozens of masked and armed fighters in uniform had positioned themselves in a square in the centre of Gaza City.
Israel has vehemently rejected the idea that Hamas, could continue to rule over the coastal strip. The stated aim of its offensive was to completely eliminate Hamas.
The Israeli government has not yet presented its own plan for the future of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has said that last month, it agreed to an Egyptian proposal to set up a Palestinian body to administer the Gaza Strip. It is uncertain whether Israel will agree to this plan.
GNA