Members of Hamas gave an interview to the New York Times which as they argue, their goal it is not to rule in Gaza, but to “change the whole equation” and yes turn attention back to the Palestinian issue.

In the bloody arithmetic of Hamas leaders, the carnage is not the unfortunate result of a great miscalculation. On the contrary, they say: It is the necessary cost of a great achievement – of shattering the status quo and opening a new, more volatile chapter in their struggle against Israel.

It was necessary to “change the whole equation and let’s not just have a conflict,” said Khalil Al Haya, member of Hamas’s top leadership, to the New York Times in Doha, Qatar. “We managed to put the Palestinian issue back on the table and now nobody in the region has peace of mind.”

“Hamas’ goal is not to run Gaza and bring it water and electricity and stuff like that.”al-Haya underlined and adds: “This battle was not because we wanted fuel or workers. It is not being done to improve the situation in Gaza. This battle is for the complete reversal of the situation.”

From the side ofTaher El-Nunoua media adviser to Hamas said: “I hope that the war with Israel will become permanent on all borders and that the Arab world will stand by us.”