Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations

    GAZA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Deposed Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneya of Islamic Hamas movement said in Gaza Strip on Wednesday that his movement succeeded in ruling the enclave in spite of difficulties, challenges and threats.

    "The Palestinian government has successfully managed to rule the Gaza Strip in spite of the great challenges, difficulties and threats," Haneya, who is also a Hamas leader, said in a written statement sent to reporters.

    Hamas and its security forces have been ruling Gaza after it took control of the impoverished region last summer. Hamas routed President Mahmoud Abbas' security forces, which were considered by Hamas as "corrupt apparatus."

    Right after Hamas took control of Gaza by force, Abbas deposed Haneya and his unity government, which was formed after Fatah and Hamas agreed to end infighting in Mecca in February 2007.

    Haneya said that his government "will continue carrying the responsibility for Gaza residents in order to reduce their suffering and reinforce their steadfastness to challenge the unfair siege."

    After Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip, Israel imposed a tight blockade on the enclave and only allowed humanitarian aids and limited amount of fuels. Restrictions were eased after a truce was reached with Israel under the auspices of Egypt on June 19.

    "We worked under very difficult circumstances and we challenged political and economic difficulties and we faced internal and external threats and obstacles. All aimed at toppling Hamas and its government," said Haneya.