Hamas Leader: We are Ready to Step Down from Gaza Rule

SadaNews - Gazan leader Ghazi Hamad, a member of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), confirmed today, Friday, that the movement is prepared to relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, adding that it is part of the Palestinian fabric and cannot be excluded. Hamad explained in an interview with the American network "CNN", "As I have said repeatedly, we are ready to step down from ruling Gaza, and we have no problem with this." He also spoke about the assassination attempt on him and the Hamas delegation in Doha during an Israeli attack on September 9, stating that his survival was a "miracle," and accusing Israel of attempting to target the negotiators and "destroy the negotiation process." Regarding prisoners, Hamad emphasized the movement's commitment to a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all Palestinian prisoners, while Tel Aviv estimates that Hamas holds 48 Israeli prisoners, including 20 who are alive, whereas more than 11,000 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli jails. The Hamas leader's statements coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 21-point plan to end the war, which includes the establishment of a Gaza administration that does not include Hamas, and the creation of a joint security force with Arab and Islamic support to manage and reconstruct the sector, with limited participation from the Palestinian Authority. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizes that the goals of the war are to release all prisoners, eliminate Hamas's capabilities, and ensure that Gaza does not return as a threat to Israel. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has continued its war on Gaza, resulting in the martyrdom of tens of thousands of Palestinians and the injury of hundreds of thousands amidst an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.