Hamas denies ceasefire talks in Egypt
Islamist group's spokesman says negotiations for end of hostilities with Israel will only begin 'once all aggressions towards us end and the border crossings are opened'
Hamas spokesman Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri on Thursday denied that a Hamas delegation to Egypt had discussed an Egyptian initiative for a broad ceasefire. "Until now, nothing has been suggested or presented," Zuhri said.
According to Abu Zuhri, there are no grounds for any talk about a cessation of hostilities or stability in the region without coming to an understanding with Hamas.
On Thursday, it was reported that Egypt has begun mediating talks between Islamic Jihad and Hamas in an effort to bring about a ceasefire between the two armed organizations and Israel. According to the report, senior Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar met with senior Islamic Jihad leader, Qadir Habib, and Egyptian representatives in El Arish. However, a senior Hamas figure vehemently denied the report.
"Our position is very clear: When all forms of Israeli aggression come to an end and the border crossings are opened – then we'll talk," Abu Zuhri said. "When the Israeli side escalates its aggressions, our job is to defend the Palestinian people in all ways and manners possible."
The spokesman emphasized that any accord that does not involve Hamas – whether about border crossings or a possible ceasefire – will lead to nowhere.
"Israel's return to speaking about a renewed ceasefire at this point in time proves that it is admitting to the failure of the military option and the elimination of Hamas." According to Zuhri, discussions to open the Rafah border crossing that don't include Hamas are talks that are "not serious and meant for press consumption."
