Exiled Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal on Friday warned Israel against continuing its military operation in Gaza.
A videotape of the Damascus-based leader speaking was aired on Al-Jazeera Friday evening, in which he said to Israeli leaders, "The blood of Gaza is the quickest way to bring about the end of your political lives."
| Spouting off from his safe-house in Damascus. "Go and fight to your deaths, brothers, and I shall eat a goat to celebrate your martyrdom." |
"To Israeli soldiers I say: A black fate awaits you if you invade Gaza. We're sure of our victory, as we've prepared a better battle, and as Allah is on our side," the tape showed him saying.
With regards to a possible cease-fire with Israel, Mashaal said that Hamas's stance "is clear - we won't give up, and we won't surrender to the enemy. Our demands are clear: Stop the [Israeli aerial] attacks immediately, open all [Gaza] border crossings, and lift the siege." He praised international efforts to bring about such a cease-fire, saying "many have made contact with us, including multiple Arab and Muslim nations. We are willing to cooperate with every effort, but we will not surrender our demands." |