GAZA CITY, 28 July — European Union’s foreign policy chief Javier Solana held secret talks here recently with Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, reported.
The paper said the meeting was in line with EU’s efforts to reach an agreement between the Palestinians and Israel to end the ongoing spiral of violence. This was disclosed by a senior Hamas official, who requested anonymity.
The official said the meeting followed persistant pressure from Solana, who had sought the help of a top Palestinian security commander to convince the Hamas leadership. The official said Yassin had told Solana that Hamas would review the continuation of bombing operations if Israel halts all forms of aggression against the Palestinians.
