Media: Palestinian PM Expresses Readiness to Engage with Hamas to Establish State

08 December 2023

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh believes it is possible to involve the Hamas movement in the creation of an independent Palestinian state, encompassing the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. He shared this perspective with the Bloomberg news agency.

 

"Hamas before October 7 is one thing, and after [the events] is another," the prime minister stated. "If they (supporters of the movement - TASS) are willing to negotiate and accept the political platform of the Palestine Liberation Organization, then there is an opportunity for dialogue. Palestinians should not be divided," Shtayyeh emphasized. He believes that Israel's goal of defeating Hamas is unrealistic, and representatives of the movement should be included in the new leadership structure.

 

The Palestinian Authority is in discussions with US officials regarding a potential plan to govern the Gaza Strip after the conflict concludes, the prime minister revealed. Both parties have reached an agreement, stating that "Israel should refrain from reoccupying the Gaza Strip, establishing a buffer zone in the territory, or expelling Palestinians."

 

"We are not going to adopt the Israeli military plan," - Shtayyeh emphasized. - "We need to create a mechanism, and we are working on it in collaboration with the international community." He highlighted that a substantial effort would be needed to assist the population and rebuild life in the enclave.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Tim Sullivan (UNCTAD)/Creative Commons 2.0

Based on materials from TASS