'Hamas considers leaving Gaza government'

Report: Mashaal supports withdrawal from politics to avoid global isolation after "resistance enterprise" was weakened.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal 311 Reu (photo credit: Khaled Al Hariri / Reuters)
Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal 311 Reu
(photo credit: Khaled Al Hariri / Reuters)
Hamas is considering withdrawing its participation from future governments in Gaza, Associated Press reported on Thursday.
Hamas officials told AP that the idea has grown popular recently and is supported by Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal. The move is reportedly aimed at avoiding global isolation.
RELATED:Palestinians believe Fayyad is the man for the jobHezbollah, Hamas praise ‘Naksa Day’ unrest
"Hamas found that being in government caused huge damage to the movement, and therefore it has changed its policy," an official reportedly said.
Therefore, "Hamas is re-evaluating its choices and and resetting its priorities," Hamas lawmaker Yehya Mussa told AP. "Being in government was a burden on Hamas, a burden on the image of Hamas, a burden on its resistance enterprise."
Officials said Hamas may not officially announce the new direction, which will be reflected in their actions, such as not presenting a candidate for presidential elections.