Deputy head of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas abroad Musa Abu Marzouq said that Hamas knows well the importance of being brought into focus regionally and internationally.

In a press statement on Thursday, Abu Marzouq considered it an absolute necessity for Hamas to build regional and international relations, emphasising that it had managed to promote as many ties as it could.

The Hamas official reiterated that his movement continues to make every endeavour to break its political isolation with some countries in the region and has been successful in this regard.

Hamas does not mind contact with the US administration, and under normal conditions, it does not reject that, Abu Marzouq added.

He confirmed that Hamas is open to building relations with all states except the Israeli occupation.

Commenting on the European position towards Hamas, Abu Marzouq said that the movement is concerned about the the stances of these countries as much as they influence the Palestinian cause, noting that European countries have much less influence than they used to.

He pointed out that Hamas has contacts with a number of European countries, stressing that they have imposed restrictions on contacting the movement.

Talking about the Gaza siege, Abu Marzouq said that Hamas has talked to the concerned countries and international organisations and exposed the violations against the Palestinian people due to the inhumane and illegal blockade. The 16-year-long blockade has made Gaza the largest open-air prison in the world, he confirmed.

Regarding Hamas' delegation's recent visit to Russia, Abu Marzouq described it as "historic", emphasising that the movement has a long-term relationship with the Russian Federation as a major player at the international level.

He reiterated Russia's interest in the Palestinian issue, especially in ending the intra-Palestinian rift.