File Photo shows Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim.
In a statement on Thursday, Naim said Hamas was ready to cooperate with all parties, including the US, to end the Israeli war on Gaza and advance a political process leading to an independent Palestinian state.
He stressed that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian land that is not open to a US takeover.
"Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian land; it is not real estate for sale on the open market. We remain firmly committed to our land and our national cause, and we are prepared to make every sacrifice to preserve our homeland and secure our people's future," he said.
In separate statements during an interview with Sky News, Naim, a former health minister in Gaza, confirmed that Hamas is holding direct talks with the US.
"We believe that President Trump is doing the hard work of reducing tensions in the region, which is what motivates us to continue communicating with the American administration, regardless of the team," Naim said.
He added that Hamas told ceasefire mediators and the US that it was ready to return all the captives immediately if it received a promise that it would lead to an end to the war and the entry of aid into Gaza.
On Thursday, Trump recycled his infamous plan, made in February, for Washington to take over Gaza and turn it into a new Riviera, stating the US would be “proud” to take over Gaza and turn it into a "freedom zone," without giving details.
Trump's plan, which advocated permanently displacing Gaza’s population to neighbouring countries like Egypt and Jordan, was met by widespread condemnation across the Arab world and internationally.
The UN and human rights experts have also criticized Trump's plan, deeming it illegal under international law and describing it as "ethnic cleansing."
In response to Trump’s remarks, Arab and Muslim nations adopted a $53 billion Gaza reconstruction plan presented by Egypt during a summit in March.
The five-year plan, which has garnered support from the EU, Russia, and China, focuses on providing long-term recovery for Gaza’s displaced population while ensuring they remain in their homeland.
Naim also reiterated that only the Palestinian people have the exclusive right to choose their path and leadership, renewing Hamas’s call for free and fair elections.
"We will respect those choices," he said.
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