Gaza: In a pivotal interview aired on Sunday, May 11, 2025, Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh affirmed that Hamas remains an inseparable component of the Palestinian political system and cannot be excluded from national dialogue or future governance frameworks.
According to latest reports, Al-Sheikh emphasized that “Hamas is part of the people and cannot be eliminated from political life,” while calling for the group to reconsider its policies to align with broader Palestinian political goals.
Al-Sheikh, who also serves as the Secretary General of the PLO Executive Committee, made the comments during ongoing regional diplomacy efforts in Amman. He underlined the urgency of U.S. intervention, stating that “the United States is the only side capable of forcing Israel to stop the war in the Gaza Strip,” and expressed hope that Hamas would take steps toward facilitating peace in this context.
The Vice President acknowledged existing dialogue between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas, indicating that there are behind-the-scenes efforts to rebuild internal Palestinian unity. While reiterating his support for peaceful resistance, Al-Sheikh rejected any alternative governance model for Gaza that bypasses the Palestinian Authority. “We will not accept any substitute for our authority in the Gaza Strip,” he said, stressing the necessity of unified Palestinian governance as the pathway to sovereignty and stability.
His remarks come amid a shifting regional landscape and reported U.S. consideration of a ceasefire framework that may not demand Hamas’ complete disarmament—a policy change being discussed in high-level diplomatic circles.
Al-Sheikh’s statement reflects a broader strategic recalibration within the Palestinian leadership, balancing international pressure, internal divisions, and the long-term goal of national reconciliation. With Gaza suffering through catastrophic conditions and political uncertainty mounting, this reaffirmation of Hamas’ political relevance could mark a turning point in efforts to unify Palestinian governance under a reformed and inclusive leadership structure.
