Palestinian president ready to cede control to Hamas

On October 16, Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas said he would transfer control of the PA to Hamas if the armed Islamic movement in the Gaza Strip wins future elections.

President Abbas explained that he was willing to cede control to Hamas as he did in 2006, when the movement won Palestinian parliamentary elections.

Members of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine participate in a march in Gaza City on September 11. (Source: AFP/VNA)

"The only solution to the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian territories is to hold fair and transparent elections to complete the reconciliation process with Hamas," he said.

The Palestinian leader also said he had no intention of seeking re-election, saying it was time for him to rest.

He reiterated his opposition to armed struggle against Israel, saying: "We will not accept the status quo, but this does not mean choosing armed struggle. I completely oppose this action because it does not bring any benefits"./.

According to VNA