The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, spokesman in Gaza Strip, Sami Abu Zuhri, has affirmed that Hamas will participate in the upcoming legislative elections for the sake of reforming the Palestinian political system and eradicating corruption rampant in the PA institutions. In a massive rally held in the Nusseirat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip to commemorate the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, founder and spiritual leader of Hamas, Abu Zuhri said, "there are leaders who sacrifice their souls and blood for Palestine, while others monopolize, corrupt, and tamper with the capabilities of the Palestinian people. Thus, we decided to participate in the election in order to change this situation and to put things in the right place and manner".He emphasized that Hamas has gained a wider popular base after the martyrdom of its great leaders, citing the latest victories in the municipal and students' elections in Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Commenting on the calming down, Abu Zuhri said that "it came to serve our people's interests and our prisoners who are languishing behind Israeli bars. Furthermore, we have to calm down for a while in order to continue along the path of Jihad". "Rest assured that we shall never forsake our guns and our resistance at any cost, this is our pledge and this is our strategy and we shall defend our lands until the liberation of all Palestine", he emphasized. "We are strong enough to confront any Israeli aggression, and we always have the right to defend our people and lands. Trust Hamas 
and trust that it will always preserve the Palestinian national interests and constants", the Hamas spokesman underscored.