Hamas leader says attacks 'must continue'

DAMASCUS, Syria, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A senior Hamas official said in Syria the conflict with Israel must continue until the Israeli siege ends and "the liberation of Palestine" is realized.

Khaled Mashaal, a leader of the Syrian branch of Hamas, said the targeting of Israeli interests will not end despite a temporary end to fuel restrictions in Gaza, Ynetnews reported Wednesday.

"The struggle must continue until the entire siege on the Strip is lifted and until the liberation of Palestine -- all of Palestine," Mashaal told a Palestinian liberation conference in Damascus Wednesday.

Members of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian and other unaffiliated parties attended the conference.

Franco Frattini, the European Commissioner for Justice Freedom and Security, affirmed Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza.