Hamas
will continue to play a part in war and peace Dr Mahmoud Zahar, the newly elected deputy of Hamas following the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, has said that despite Israel's escalation in violence, Hamas is still, "willing to sit down and discuss the issues and find agreement." Dr Zahar survived an Israeli assassination attempt that killed his son and badly wounded his wife. He said, "They have killed many, many of us in the past and failed to suppress us. They have arrested and deported us, and failed to suppress us. They have driven us underground, and failed to suppress us. All that happens is our popular support escalates." |
Mahmoud Zahar in a Gaza City hospital |
Dr Zahar said there will be no change in Hamas policies because decisions are ultimately collective. "It is a question of emphasising a particular policy at a certain time. Sheikh Yassin's death means we will escalate the military struggle."
"Israelis will have to pay the price. But we are also willing to sit down and discuss the issues and find agreement. That will not change," he said.
Ghazi Hamedi, editor of the pro-Hamas newspaper, al-Resala said, "Hamas is ready to participate in everything but not under Oslo or the PA. They are trying to find a new national leadership that reflects all political colours and deals with issues like how we distribute the land from the settlements."
"Over the past two years, Hamas became more political. It agreed to an internal solution, to a state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. That makes Sharon very uncomfortable. He does not want Hamas playing a political role."
adapted from - http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1176477,00.html