Hamas denies plans to stop attacks

JERUSALEM, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Palestinian Hamas leaders denied a report that exiled leader Khaled Mashaal ordered the party's armed wing to stop attacks against Israel.

Spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the report published in Haaretz was "trivial" and undeserving of a response, the Jerusalem Post reported Friday.

The Haaretz report said Mashaal had issued the order based on an understanding reached with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during talks in Cairo.

Barhoum said Palestinians will maintain their right to armed resistance against Israel, the Jerusalem Post said.