GAZA, March 28 (UPI) -- Hamas has denounced the U.S. rejection of its calls for dialogue with the Quartet Committee, as violence continues to claim Palestinian and Israeli lives.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri said the speed with which Washington reacted "reflected a biased position taken in advance against Hamas and the Palestinian people which is not suitable for the U.S. administration which says it preaches democracy and freedoms in societies."
Prime Minister designate Ismail Haniya said in his government's policy statement to the Palestinian parliament on Monday that Hamas was ready to conduct dialogue with the Quartet committee on the peace process. The Quartet, which laid down the Road Map for Middle East peace, includes the United States, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union.
Abu Zahri said Haniya's speech before parliament was "transparent, responsible and provided answers for all issues, especially relations with the West."
"The American answer to Haniya's speech indicates that the problem exists with the U.S. administration and the Israeli occupation government and not with the Palestinian people and Hamas," Abu Zahri said.
He accused the United States of refuting peace efforts and sabotaging peace chances.
"At a time the prime minister holds out his hand for dialogue and just peace, he is scorned with disdain and arrogance... This gives no chance for peace and for creating a state of real calmness in the region, but exposes it to more chaos and violence," Abu Zahri added.
In the meantime, violence continued as Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian during a raid in the town of Yamoun near Jenin, north of the West Bank.
Israeli military sources said soldiers opened fire at the Palestinian, claiming he was armed.
Islamic Jihad's military wing, al-Quds Brigades, retaliated by firing locally-made rockets at Israel, killing two Israelis.
An Israeli army spokesman said two Israelis, a Bedouin and his son, were killed by the grave wounds they suffered from shrapnel from exploding rockets.
