The Hamas terror group claimed to be ready to establish contact and hold talks with the administration of US President Donald Trump, Russia's RIA state news agency cited a senior Hamas official as saying in remarks published early on Wednesday.
"We are ready for contact and talks with the Trump administration," RIA cited senior Hamas Politburo member Mousa Abu Marzouk as saying.
"In the past, we did not object to contacts with the administration of [former US President Joe] Biden, Trump, or any other US administration, and we are open to talks with all international parties."
It was not clear when RIA interviewed Marzouk, who was visiting Moscow on Monday for talks with the Russian foreign ministry.
The reported remarks came after Trump announced that the US would take over the Gaza Strip for the foreseeable future on Tuesday evening during a shocking joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following their hour-long Oval Office meeting.
Trump's plans
Trump said by taking over Gaza, the US will create economic development that will supply an "unlimited number of jobs and housing for the people of the area."
He also said he sees taking over Gaza as a way to bring stability not only to Israel's neighbors but potentially the entire Middle East.
Hannah Sarisohn contributed to this report.