Hamas leader says attacks 'must continue'

Published: Jan. 23, 2008 at 9:16 AM
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Palestinians cross into Egypt after militants destroyed a border wall between Gaza  and Egypt at Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip on January 23, 2008. Hundreds of Gazans poured into Egypt after militants set off at least five explosions along the walled-off border of the Hamas-ruled Gaza, witnesses said. The forced entry came as Israel has imposed a months-long blockade of the impoverished territory that was tightened last week to a full-scale lockdown.  (UPI Photo/Ismael Mohamad)
Palestinians cross into Egypt after militants destroyed a border wall between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip on January 23, 2008. Hundreds of Gazans poured into Egypt after militants set off at least five explosions along the walled-off border of the Hamas-ruled Gaza, witnesses said. The forced entry came as Israel has imposed a months-long blockade of the impoverished territory that was tightened last week to a full-scale lockdown. (UPI Photo/Ismael Mohamad) | Enlarge Enlarge
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.


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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