Hamas says it agrees to form ‘independent administration of technocrats’ to run Gaza

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Palestinian group Hamas said Wednesday that it has agreed to the formation of an independent national administration made up of technocrats to run the Gaza Strip.

“Hamas is still awaiting Israel’s response to the proposal put forward by mediators on Aug. 18, which was accepted by the group,” it added in a statement.

Hamas reiterated that it is ready to reach a comprehensive agreement “that would see the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, ending the war on Gaza, withdrawal of all occupation forces, opening the crossings to allow the entry of all necessary supplies into the Strip, and beginning the reconstruction process.”