Hamas has said the governance of the Gaza Strip is a “pure Palestinian affair”, Anadolu Agency reports.

“Governing Gaza or part of our land is a Palestinian affair, and no force will be able to change reality or impose its will,” Hamas spokesman Abdul-Latif al-Qanou said.

The statement comes after the US said Hamas could not be part of the ruling equation in the besieged enclave.

“Hamas is a national liberation movement and resides in every Palestinian home,” al-Qanou said. “Hamas is an integral part of our people and has the right to resist the occupation in accordance with all laws and customs.”