Hamas says will participate in Palestinian legislative elections in November
GAZA, Aug. 13 (YPA) – Hamas is preparing to participate in the Palestinian legislative elections due in November as part of the broadest possible national coalition, Hamas political bureau member and head of its National Relations Office Hussam Badran said.
Badran confirmed that the movement had held meetings and consultations over the past month with various Palestinian factions, political forces and independent figures in an effort to form a broad electoral bloc based on a shared political program.
He said Hamas supports holding legislative and presidential elections, as well as elections for the Palestinian National Council, while rejecting the appointment of its members.
Badran described elections as an opportunity to reorganize the Palestinian political system and end unilateral control over national decision-making.
He stressed that Hamas rejects any political arrangements that bypass voters’ will or disregard the movement’s popular and political standing.
Regarding Gaza, Badran said Hamas had approved a 15-point roadmap and was prepared to form a technocratic committee and transfer administrative responsibilities to it.
He said the movement had decided during the early months of the war to hand over the administration of Gaza to an agreed-upon Palestinian body, accusing Israel of obstructing the process.
Badran said implementation of the plan now depends on the positions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the mediators and the US administration. He reaffirmed Hamas’ commitment to the agreements reached and said the movement would not abandon its core positions.
On the West Bank, Badran described the developments there as part of an Israeli project to alter the reality on the ground. He said Hamas was coordinating with various Palestinian factions and political forces to confront the project and called for a unified national strategy capable of addressing the current phase and its challenges.
He stressed that Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque remain at the heart of the Palestinian cause and among the priorities of Hamas’ political efforts.
Regarding Palestinian prisoners, Badran described their cause as a central issue in the conflict, saying Hamas considers securing their release and improving their detention conditions among its top priorities.
He also accused Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of intensifying pressure on Palestinian prisoners.
@E.Y.M