Hamas spokesperson Hazem Kassem slammed US Special Envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt for saying that Hamas should relinquish control of Gaza.

"American envoy Jason Greenblatt's attack on Hamas and its leadership, and its demand that the movement surrender its weapons, are a continuation of the American partnership with the occupation, with aggression against our people," Maariv cited Kassem as saying.

"This provides coverage for its crimes, use the terms of the occupation itself, and prove his participation in the Israeli propaganda apparatus, which justifies the continuation of the cruel Israeli siege on Gaza."

Kassem's words come in response to a Wednesday tweet in which Greenblatt slammed Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar for a recent "monstrous" speech, in which al-Sinwar called to "tear out [Israel's] hearts."

"This only hurts the Palestinians of Gaza," Greenblatt tweeted. "This old-line of thinking and ideology hurts all Palestinians. This can cause the situation to escalate and many lives could be lost. Will Hamas ever learn? Hamas must relinquish its control of Gaza to the PA and disarm. If it wants to join the REAL world, it must renounce violence, recognize Israel, and decide to abide by past agreements. It's time for Hamas to make some real decisions."