Hamas political leaders on Saturday vowed to go on fighting Israel and claimed victory for its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. In a direct challenge to the Palestinian Authority, the movement's top political brass said it rejects the idea of a sole decision-making body for the area and insists it has the right to possess weapons.
Ismail Haniyye, a top Hamas leader, stated "Hamas remains committed to the choice of resistance as a strategic choice. Hamas remains committed to its military wing and its right to possess weapons."
"Hamas is not a replacement for anyone. It is not a power within the Palestinian Authority and it is not confronting it. But Hamas rejects the idea of allowing any party to monopolize decision-making process," Haniyye added.