We, in the Hamas leadership at home and abroad, are following up on the updates related to the coronavirus crisis in the Gaza Strip and drawing up plans to deal with such developments as the besieged enclave is facing three enormous challenges.

The first challenge is the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and its repercussions on Gaza’s residents whereas the second new challenge is the detection of the first coronavirus cases outside quarantine facilities and the intensive efforts and capabilities needed to curb the spread of the deadly pandemic.

The third challenge, meanwhile, is posed by facing off consecutive Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people and the consequences of the previous challenges on Gaza’s humanitarian situations.         

In light of such developments, the Hamas leadership has contacted several sides, particularly Egypt, Qatar, the United Nations, and Turkey to support the Palestinian people of the Gaza Strip in the face of these challenges.  

We hold the Israeli occupation fully responsible for any escalation in the Gaza Strip and thus has to completely lift its blockade on the impoverished enclave and allow the entry of all medical and health supplies to fight off the novel virus. 

We put our faith in health and security officials in the Gaza Strip, who managed to prevent the outbreak of the deadly virus in the besieged territory over the past months. But, the virus’ arrival to the Gaza Strip was anticipated and will be handled as required.

In cooperation with all Palestinian factions and segments, the Hamas leadership at home and abroad is sparing no efforts to overcome the coronavirus crisis.

We also hail the exceptional efforts by the Crisis Management Commission, especially the health and interior ministries and other NGO groups working around the clock to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Finally, we urge the Palestinian people to stay calm, abide by lockdown rules, and stand steadfast in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.