Israeli media: Hamas claims it will take control in West Bank if Israel withdraws

Saturday November 10, 2007 09:13 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Israeli media on Friday reported that Mahmoud al-Zahar, a spokesperson for the Hamas movement, had announced that the organization would resume it legislative role and seize control of the West Bank should Israeli forces withdraw from the territory.

Mahmoud Zahhar

Zahar further claimed that the current caretaker government in the West Bank did not represent the wishes or interests of the Palestinian people, adding that, if given the chance, Hamas would attempt to do so.

"Israel says the party in power in Ramallah (Fatah) serves its interests and if Israel withdraws from the West Bank, Hamas will take control. That's true”, Zahhar reportedly told a rally in Jabaliya, in the northern Gaza Strip.

The Hamas movement, which has previously denied that it has any intention of seizing power in the West Bank, has not confirmed the statement.

Zahar also told those at the rally that the upcoming Annapolis Summit would achieve nothing, arguing that the Hamas movement would continue to resist.

Finally, Zahar warned the administration of the consequences of an invasion of the Gaza Strip, stating, "The occupiers should know that if they intend to enter the Gaza Strip they will leave cut into pieces”.”

west bank | diplomacy | news report saed at imemc dot org