Zahar: Hamas plans to target "Israel's spies", use similar tactics as against the Israeli occupation

Editorial Note: The following news reports may be summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology.

Date: 24 / 06 / 2007 Time: 09:49

Bethlehem - Ma'an -

Hamas may pursue "Israel's spies" in Gaza and could use bombs in its struggle with Fateh in the West Bank, Hamas founding member Mahmoud Al-Zahar said during an interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel on Friday.

He also called for an Islamic state in the Gaza Strip.

Commenting on the Der Spiegel article, the Israeli daily Haaretz says that Zahhar was a key player in Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza in mid-June. According to the Israeli paper, he staunchly opposed the national unity government comprising Hamas and Fateh members, and is one of the "movement's hardline wing."

Zahar also warned in the German magazine that Hamas loyalists in the West Bank would defend themselves against any Fateh assaults in the same way as they had defended themselves against the Israeli occupation. When asked by the German magazine if such defense would include bombs and attacks, Zahar responded: "Exactly. But you said that, not me."

Zahar also told Der Spiegel that Hamas would now look for "Israel's spies", which Haaretz interprets as meaning "an apparent reference to Fateh loyalists close to former Gaza strongman Mohammed Dahlan, who now lives in the West Bank."

When asked if Hamas intends to form an Islamic state in the Gaza Strip, Zahar responded: "At the moment we can't establish an Islamic state because we Palestinians have no state. As long as we don't have a state, we will try to form an Islamic society."

However, he assured that the Gazan Islamic state would be tolerant of non-Muslims. "Christians will remain Christians, parties could be secular or even Communist," he said.

Zahar did not rule out all contact with Israel. "Of course we have to speak with the Israelis, de facto, for example over trade," Zahar told Der Spiegel. "We also have to speak with them about cross-border issues, like the movement of severely ill patients and protection from bird flu and how we can avoid environmental catastrophes."

Negotiations, however, are not on the cards. "We won't discuss politics, because the Israelis have no political agenda with us."

Zahar also criticized President Abbas' new peace talks, describing the meetings with the Israeli and US governments, as "lots of chit-chat" and "trading kisses every two weeks."

Regarding the proliferation of weapons in the Gaza Strip, Zahhar said the United States was responsible.

"There are naturally very many weapons around now," Zahar said. "Two years ago, one bullet in Gaza cost around €3.50 -- now it would cost 35 cents. The American aid money has been translated into weapons. Thank you, America!"

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