GAZA, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Hamas, the militant group which won Palestinian elections in January, seems willing to negotiate with anybody, including the United States, but not Israel.
Exiled Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal told London-based Al-Hayat his group was prepared to enter negotiations without preconditions except Israel which he called the "Zionist enemy," reports the Jerusalem Post. Mashaal also said international authorities have sent messages to Hamas indicating they support projects of the Palestinian Authority even under Hamas control.
Separately, the Post reported top Hamas figures Mahmoud Zahar and Saed Siyam also have rejected any peace negotiations with Israel. Zahar was also quoted as saying Hamas does not plan to renew the failed diplomatic talks with Israel.
Israel, meantime, wants to ensure the international community does not waver from its demand that Hamas recognize Israel, disavow terrorism and accept previous agreements before the international community will deal with the PA, the Post reported.
