Israel treats Hamas PM's granddaughter

GAZA, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Israel agreed to treat the 1-year-old granddaughter of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza for a rare malady but was unable to help her, officials said.

The critically ill Amal Haniyeh underwent medical tests at the Schenider Medical Center in Petah Tikva Sunday but was brain dead when she arrived, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday.

Maj. Guy Ibar, a spokesman for the Israeli coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories, told The Times of Israel his office received a call from the Palestinian liaison office, requesting Amal's transfer to an Israeli hospital for treatment after her condition deteriorated.

After conducting a series of tests, doctors determined Amal's condition was incurable and she was returned to Gaza Monday afternoon, the Hebrew language daily said.

Hamas, a terrorist group in control of the Gaza Strip, is at loggerheads with the predominantly Fatah-run Palestinian Authority and refuses to recognize Israel's right to exist. Hamas has said it will not be bound by any peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.