Abu-Kwaik stressed that his movement "decided to facilitate the elections in order to energise and pump new blood into Palestinian institutions," noting that Hamas is eager to see technocrats serving people in the national institutions.

He said that Hamas does not want to "politicise" the local elections which it views as a first stage that would pave the way to parliamentary and presidential elections.

The Hamas leader said that his movement would support technocrat and academic nominees, regardless of their political persuasions.

He said that there would be no lists in the name of Hamas, reiterating that "discussions" toward this end are still ongoing.