Hamas wants Israel out of Rafah crossing

GAZA, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Hamas threatened to deal "painful blows" to Israel if it maintains any presence at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza Strip and Egypt after withdrawal.

Senior Hamas official Mahmud Zahhar told followers in Khan Younes, in south Gaza, Thursday that the militant group informed Egyptian mediator and intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Omar Sleiman its opposition to the presence of any Israeli at the Rafah crossing.

"If they do not meet our demand and end all presence of occupation in the areas from which they will withdraw, including Rafah, al-Qassam Brigades will deal painful blows to the Israelis in the proper way and time," Zahhar said.

He reiterated Hamas refusal to disarm after the complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

"We will not give up the arms which forced the occupiers out but we will keep them to retaliate to any violations," he added.