Hamas Wants Palestinian Political and Economic Independence from Israel and Egypt, Says Al-Zahar

Hamas worried Rafah talks could harm independence

Published today (updated) 20/06/2010 16:09

Gaza – Ma'an –

Senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahhar expressed concern Sunday over the political effects of current negotiations to re-open the Rafah crossing permanently.

"All we want is to have economic independence from the occupation through the opening of some commercial crossings," Zahhar said, worried that the current discussions over PA, UN and Egyptian control of Rafah would lead to Palestinian dependence on Egypt, rather than Israel.

"Hamas does not want to be politically dependent on Egypt or on any other country, we are determined to remain independent," the official told reporters during a news briefing, stressing the wish for an open Gaza marketplace and an end to the Israeli-lead siege.

Zahhar was quick to clarify that "there is no political dispute between us and Egypt," but did note that the party was concerned that affiliation with Egypt would see the party pressured even more by rival party Fatah.

"Egypt and many other Arab countries side with Fatah when it comes to the inter-Palestinian dispute," Zahhar explained, stressing the goodwill between the Gaza and Egyptian governments, despite what he called "incitement campaigns against Hamas in Egypt over issues of security," but a staunch desire to remain independent of the officials.

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