Haneyya: Seeds of Hamas’s flexibility brought to fruition

“We took it upon ourselves not only to rally round the new government but also to endow the ministers with all the basic underpinnings to carry out the mission,” said deputy head of Hamas’s political bureau Ismail Haneyya during a press conference on Monday afternoon.

Haneyya called on the new government to lift the Gaza siege, reconstruct the Strip, pave the way for the legislative and presidential elections, and work out the social reconciliation file, all national missions that require the government’s commitment throughout.

Haneyya further urged the projected government to restructure the security apparatuses in the West Bank, declaring: “We want our people to savor the fruits of the reconciliation process and to see with their own eyes that it has ultimately been made real.”

In Haneyya’s words, the Gaza government has made proof of good wills and a promising flexibility and optimism to heal the rift, calling for a similar eagerness to be revealed in the West Bank.

“The formation of the consensus government is a historic breakthrough, wiping out the seven-year-old split, once and for all,” Haneyya maintained.

“We can’t wait to behold the birth of our unity government and see it grow before us so as to meet the national challenges lying ahead of our nation,” he added.

“We’ve stepped down of our own accord because we are quite alert to the national responsibilities that are in store. Unity, partnership, and resistance will have the lead all the way through the upcoming phase,” the Hamas leader further stated.

Haneyya acclaimed the achievements of the Gaza government most notably in its grit to uphold the Palestinian basics along with the Jerusalem file, prisoners’ affairs, and cooperation in terms of decision-making despite the brutal Israeli attacks and the blockade targeting the Strip.

According to Haneyya, the government scored a golden goal by having always backed up the Palestinian resistance and boosted its self-esteem at a time when everybody thought it would fall apart and throw in the towel sooner or later.

“Resistance still bodes well and cannot be broken down by any means. This shall forever be an eternal source of pride to us all, government and people. Our resistance has made many leaps forward and become a priority for the entire nation. We have won two battles against the Israeli occupation and restored freedom to scores of prisoners.”

Haneyya further pointed to the government’s achievements in education, health, administration, and security services besides of the ongoing reconstruction projects, despite the dire conditions prevailing in the Strip Gaza.

“Gaza has been shining, never giving up, in the midst of a dark maze. It is an archetype for the power of liberation, strength and resistance.”

In Haneyya’s view, the Palestinian cause has become a key-concern engaging each and every Arab home.

The premier of Gaza government further hailed the Freedom Flotilla martyrs who sacrificed their life and blood for Gaza.

Haneyya applauded the self-abnegation revealed by the martyrs and the prisoners throughout the Palestinians’ fight for freedom.

“Today we are stepping down from the chair but never from our national responsibilities. We will forever stand by our people. This is our duty, never a favor, to a people who has always gained everybody’s respect and appreciation,” Haneyya concluded.