Hamas resistance to continue

JERUSALEM, June 20 (UPI) -- The head of the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza warns resistance against Israel will continue until all Palestinian demands are met.

Ahmad Bahar made the comments in an interview with the Palestinian Maan news agency after visiting the families of Hamas operatives killed in clashes with Israeli troops.

Bahar also met with Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Hamas military wing, considered an arch-terrorist and fugitive by Israel. Deif remains in hiding to evade constant Israeli assassination attempts.

"Palestinian resistance will continue until all Palestinian demands and rights are achieved…..the Palestinian people is still steadfast and adamant on getting all his rights," he told the news agency.

Bahar warned attempts to pressure the Palestinian leadership in Gaza to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held captive for three years in the narrow Strip will fail. Hamas officials in Gaza have rejected a request by International Red Cross officials to visit Shalit.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Prisoners Affairs in Gaza stated, "under what pretext of international law is it that the Red Cross can demand that Hamas allow Shalit to contact his family? Did the Red Cross denounce the [Israeli] occupation for its daily violations of international law against Palestinian prisoners, who are deprived from every human right?"