Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (center) at an event in Gaza on May 1, 2017 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said his group is serious about returning power to Abbas and called on him to respond with “practical steps”. Hamas said it will eliminate a contentious committee that has governed Gaza in recent months to meet Abbas’ requirement, adding that it is ready to hand over all government functions to Abbas and hold elections in Gaza and the West Bank. 

On Sunday, Hamas said its decision came from a desire for national unity and was a response to the efforts of Egypt to reconcile Palestine’s rival factions.