Prime Minister of the de Hamas-led government in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyya, demanded the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) to withdraw its recognition of Israel after Tel Aviv announced its rejection to Palestinian unity.During talks with reporters following Friday prayers in Gaza, Haniyya said that “there is no need to recognize a country that denies the legitimate Palestinian rights”.
The Hamas leader added that “the presence of the Zionist entity on our land is illegal and cannot be recognized”.
He also downplayed the Israeli threats to foil Palestinian unity and what he called the “hysteria that that spread in Israel” after Fateh and Hamas movement signed a draft unity deal two days ago.
“We act in accordance to what serves our people”, Haniyya said, “We are not interested in what Israel thinks”.
Haniyya also stated that “genuine intentions among the factions and a positive atmosphere, are what ensures the success of reconciliation”.
Two days ago, Hamas and Fateh movements announced signing a draft unity deal that would end internal rifts and conflict. The deal is also meant to be the beginning of a new phase of national unity.
Israel and the United States were angered by the deal while a number of U.S. congress members called for stopping U.S. aid to the Palestinian government.
