The London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat reported Sunday that Hamas is considering declaring Gaza Strip a separate entity from the Palestinian Authority, whose seat of government is in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Hamas officials told the newspaper that the move is likely to be backed by the new Egyptian regime and will serve as a way for Gaza to cut its commercial ties with Israel, while bolstering them with Egypt, instead.
According to the report, Hamas has been mulling the option for over two years, but the move was delayed over the fierce objection of the Egyptian intelligence services and Palestinian officials in Ramallah.
The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and the subsequent election of Mohamed Morsi for president, have revived the notion.
Report: Hamas seeks to 'emancipate' Gaza from PA - Israel News, Ynetnews
Hamas officials told the newspaper that the move is likely to be backed by the new Egyptian regime and will serve as a way for Gaza to cut its commercial ties with Israel, while bolstering them with Egypt, instead.
According to the report, Hamas has been mulling the option for over two years, but the move was delayed over the fierce objection of the Egyptian intelligence services and Palestinian officials in Ramallah.
The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, and the subsequent election of Mohamed Morsi for president, have revived the notion.
Report: Hamas seeks to 'emancipate' Gaza from PA - Israel News, Ynetnews