Hamas: Indirect talks more futile than direct negotiations

Despite US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's optimism over the Arab League's decision to support in-direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Hamas on Wednesday did not show as much enthusiasm.

"This will prove that indirect talks are even more futile than direct negotiations," said Hamas senior figure Mahmoud al-Zahar. "It will prove to the entire world that Israel does not intend to give the Palestinian people their minimal national rights," he said.

In an interview with Nazareth-based Arab-Israeli news publication Kol al-Arab, al-Zahar emphasized that his organization will continue with its struggle against Israel, and said he hopes to receive wide support from many countries.

"Hamas wants the support of the entire Arab and Muslim world. We must utilize the financial, moral and political backing we have from many different countries, including Iran. The resistance against Israel will continue; we have proven our strength when we stood against it alone during the last battle," he said.

When asked about the assassination of senior Hamas figure Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, al-Zahar said, "Dubai opened an investigation that exposed the identities of the criminals and urged the global community to help apprehend them. They have also laid the blame on the Israeli Mossad and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as being responsible for this crime."

Al-Zahar also commented on reports that Hamas will participate in the next Arab Summit scheduled to take place in Libya. "Hamas has not received an official invitation. We have no information on whether Libya's leader, Muammar Gaddafi, plans to invite one of the organization's high echelons," he said.