 The violent Islamic Hamas is prepared to suspend attacks if Israel stops targeting militants and agrees to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners, the top Hamas leader told Ariel Sharon Colin Powell Kofi Annan The Associated Press on Tuesday. The apparent softening [?] of Hamas' position raised hopes that Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas would be allowed to live soon reach a formal cease-fire with militant groups that would pave the way for a new round of peace talks with Israel. Speaking to The Associated Press by cellular phone from an undisclosed location, Mashaal said success of the truce effort depends on Israel. | "Cos us Hamas gunnies, we can't control ourselfs. The jinns just take OVER, know what I mean?" |
"This is a moment of test," Mashaal said. "It puts the responsibility on the international community and the United States to force Israel to recognize the Palestinian rights. If the Zionist enemy abides by certain conditions, such as releasing all prisoners and detainees and halting all acts of killing, assassination and aggression against our people inside and outside (the Palestinian territories), the general national position of all Palestinian factions has become that they are ready to positively deal with the idea of a temporary truce," Mashaal said. | "At least until we get our best hard boyz back from jug and properly armed," The Associated Press forgot to report. |
Abbas has been in contact with militant groups in recent days to try to win broad agreement to a cease-fire. But Mashaal warned Hamas would respond to any Israeli attacks. | "Especially if you helizap me. Don't even think about it." |
Lower-level Hamas leaders have talked in recent days of accepting a temporary truce, but Tuesday was the first time Mashaal had publicly given his approval. A senior Hamas leader in the West Bank has said the group has agreed to suspend most some a few attacks for 30 days to test Israel's response. |