Hamas official alludes to recognizing 'State of Israel'

Senior Hamas official ,Mousa Abu Marzook, stated that Hamas would adhere to the official stance of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) towards the Israeli Occupation - speaking to “Al-Monitor” in his Doha Office Monday.

In an interview with "Al-Monitor," Abu Marzouk indicated that Hamas would recognize the Israeli Occupation as a step towards ending the longstanding divisions among Palestinian factions.

"You should follow the official stance... The official stance is that the [Palestine Liberation Organization] recognized the state of Israel," Abu Marzouk stated, "We want to be part of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and we will respect the organization's principles," he added.

The PLO, internationally recognized as the umbrella organization for most Palestinian factions, except for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), officially recognized the Israeli Occupation’s right to exist. In return, the Occupation accepted the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people.

Palestinian news agency "Maan" reported that it is unclear whether Abu Marzouk's statements, who resides in Doha with other senior Hamas officials, reflect the positions of Hamas leaders in Gaza, led by Yahya Sinwar.