Hamas member Dr. Adnan Asfour, of the group's West Bank political leadership, recently told Palestinian news agency Ma'an that the group did not seek the destruction of Israel despite such portrayal.
He clarified that Hamas recognizes Israel's existence as a fact, but that it opposes Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian land.
Asfour said that Hamas seeks a gradually implemented agreement with Israel, and that it would accept a Palestinian state with the so called "pre-1967" borders of the West Bank and Gaza.
Following such an agreement, he added, "The issue will be left for generations to come."
Asfour stressed that such a state has the right to unconditional sovereignty over its water, land, and air space.
If Palestinians receive such a state, he said, "Hamas may sign a long term and unlimited truce with Israel which will guarantee security for Israelis and Palestinians."
He expressed pessimism that such an agreement would be reached, however, saying, that Israel would most likely "continue on this path by saying there is no Palestinian partner for peace."
He went on to explain that once in power, Hamas would seek to eliminate corruption, and undertake investigations into claims of abuse of power through legitimate, legal means.
He added that the upcoming government would work to raise the standard of living for Palestinians by creating employment in all industries.
