By DPA
Gaza City : For the first time since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in June, former prime minister and Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said the movement’s control of the area is only temporary.
“Our administration in Gaza is temporary,” Haniya said at the end of a public prayer in Gaza City.
Haniya also revealed that his movement would hold reconciliation talks with Fatah, hinting that it may be ready to give up control of the enclave.
“There is a serious movement in the field of Palestinian dialogue and we have agreed to hold a dialogue with Fatah in one of the Arab capitals,” Haniya said.
The movement, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the US, took control of the poor and densely populated enclave in mid-June when its militants defeated Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ security forces.
But Haniya, as a political leader, does not have a powerful influence on the movement compared to hardliners like Hamas chief in Damascuss Khaled Mashaal. Haniya also has no influence on Hamas’ armed wing, better known as al-Qassam brigades, which led the fighting against Fatah.
Haniya and his national unity government — which was formed in a February agreement between Hamas and Fatah — were sacked by Abbas following the takeover of Gaza. Abbas formed a new caretaker government.