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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Haniyeh: Hamas is willing to negotiate on Gaza cease-fire |
| 2009-01-13 |
| For the second time since Israel launched its offensive in the Gaza Strip, Hamas television aired a taped message delivered by group leader Ismail Haniyeh on Monday. In the message, Haniyeh declared that Hamas was determined to continue fighting despite Israel's military offensive in the Strip, but added that the group would be willing to cooperate in efforts to negotiate a cease-fire agreement with Israel. "Gaza will not break - our victory over the Zionists is near," Haniyeh said in a fiery speech. "Our fate is in the hands of Allah, so what power could the sons of Zion against him? Allah will take his revenge on them." "When we watch over you, residents of Gaza, we draw patience and will power from you," Haniyeh went on to say, adding however that Hamas does not have the physical might to withstand Israel's "war machine." The Hamas leader ended his address with a prayer. Haniyeh first appeared on Hamas television some two weeks ago, saying that Israel's operation in Gaza was paramount to genocide of the Palestinian people. Haniyeh and other senior Hamas officials have gone into hiding since Israel launched its operation on December 27. Meanwhile Monday, other Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip declared victory to be "closer than ever." In a statement distributed to news organizations, the Hamas cabinet said it continued to function as a government and condemned Israel for its "reoccupation" of Gaza, saying the invading forces would soon be repelled. "We confirm to our people that victory is closer than ever," the statement read. "We confirm our intention to continue to work to stop the terrorists' war against our people, end the siege completely and bring about a reopening of the crossings." A report in Reuters on Monday quoted unnamed sources in Lebanon close to Hamas as saying the group would not accept ceasefire efforts that include a long-term truce with Israel. Israel launched its offensive on Dec. 27 saying it intended to put a stop to Hamas' firing of rockets across the border into southern Israeli towns and cities. Following several days of aerial bombardment, Israeli troops and tanks launched a ground offensive, moving in on the major population centres, including the city of Gaza. Some 900 Palestinians, including some top Hamas commanders, have been killed in the assault, according to Palestinian medics and the Islamist movement. Hamas, which came to power in Gaza after elections in 2006 and subsequently seized control of the territory of 1.5 million people, said it would remain steadfast. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #9 Running out of ammo, time for another hudna. |
| Posted by: DMFD 2009-01-13 20:09 |
| #8 "We confirm to our people that victory is closer than ever," I wonder what defeat looks like? Does Izzy really wanna know? |
| Posted by: tu3031 2009-01-13 12:56 |
| #7 To them not getting killed is a Victory. |
| Posted by: Deacon Blues 2009-01-13 12:54 |
| #6 They are willing to talk forever, so long as they don't have to admit actual surrender. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2009-01-13 12:41 |
| #5 Yes, by all means, keep fighting. You're just about to win. Any minute now. Maybe in like 5 minutes or something. |
| Posted by: bigjim-ky 2009-01-13 10:39 |
| #4 "NUTS" |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2009-01-13 08:23 |
| #3 Don't hold yer breath, you gutless dog. |
| Posted by: Woozle Elmeter 2700 2009-01-13 06:58 |
| #2 Running out of caviar in his underg-hospital bunker? |
| Posted by: g(r)omgoru 2009-01-13 05:41 |
| #1 uncle... poopy face. |
| Posted by: Glolusing Barnsmell3409 2009-01-13 02:24 |