Abbas accuses Hamas of supporting al-Qaeda in Gaza

Tuesday July 10, 2007 09:58 by John Smith - IMEMC & agencies

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accused the Hamas movement of protecting and supporting al-Qaeda in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking to an Italian television station on Monday, Abbas asserted the existence of close links between the two organizations, and vowed that Fatah would not negotiate with Hamas.

“It is Hamas that is protecting al-Qaeda, and, through its bloody behaviour, Hamas has become very close to al-Qaeda. That is why Gaza is in danger and needs help,” Abbas stated. He also added that Fatah would “never have any dialogue with Hamas.”

Following the rise to power of Hamas in the coastal region a little over three weeks ago, Abbas dismissed Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and the Hamas-led government, quickly forming and appointing his own emergency government in the meantime.

Hamas, for their part, were quick to respond to the accusations with Sami Abu Zuhri, spokesperson for Hamas in Gaza, suggesting that Abbas was trying to create and spread anti-Hamas sentiment throughout Palestine and beyond..

"Hamas has no link to Al-Qaida. Abbas is trying to mislead international opinion to win support for his demand to deploy international forces in Gaza," the Hamas spokesman stated.

The Hamas movement was recently criticized by the asserted deputy leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri, who suggested that the movement served U.S. in the coastal region.

gaza strip | palestinian politics | news report