Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah movement called on Hamas to relinquish power in order to safeguard the “existence” of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 

Speaking to AFP, Fatah spokesperson Monther al-Hayek said that “Hamas must show compassion for Gaza, its children, women and men”.

“[Hamas must] step aside from governing and fully recognise that the battle ahead will lead to the end of Palestinians in Gaza,” said Hayek.