DAR AL HARB/ISLAM - ISRAEL/PALESTINE: AN OFFER OF ANOTHER HUDNA BY HAMAS

Hamas leader outlines conditions for peace and offers truce

Damascus, Syria, 1 Feb. (AKI) - Hamas leader in exile Khaled Meshal has outlined a series of conditions for peace with Israel, and talks about the health of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in an interview with Italian weekly journal Panorama.

"If Israel withdraws, recognises Jerusalem [as capital of a future Palestinian state] and the return of our people [refugees] and dismantles settlements that occupy our land, we are ready for at least a 10 year truce," said the leader of the Islamist movement.

Meshal also commented on the physical and mental condition of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, saying that he is "alive and well" and is even treated "with white gloves".

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"But why so much concern for only one person," he said.

"There are 12,000 prisoners jailed by Israel, including ministers, women and children," he continued.

"Why haven't journalists ever asked Olmert for news about the health of millions of caged people living forgotten in Gaza?"

When asked about the hardship in Gaza caused by a blockade imposed by Israel, and Hamas' responsibility for this, Mashaal blamed both Israel and Palestinian leaders.

"Israel nurtures itself with our agony, in order to exist politically and militarily. We are their daily bread," he said.

"What is worse is that [Israel] is helped by our brothers who support it with silence and complicity," he said, apparently referring to Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas.

"We want the unity of our people and we want peace," said Meshal.

Panorama asked Mashaal what he thought of the international community's condemnation of the launching of Qassam rockets into Israel by Palestinian militants, and its consequences for Gazans.

"This is a perversion of the truth. Is it the primitive Qassam rockets that kill our people, or the bombs dropped by Israeli warplanes?"

"Israel measures its success by counting how many Palestinians have been killed," Meshal claimed.

When asked about who was a greater enemy, former Israeli prem Ariel Sharon or Ehud Olmert, Mashal replied: "No man can be asked who is the most prolific assassin of their people."



Pertinent Links:

1) Hamas leader outlines conditions for peace and offers truce