DAMASCUS, 14 October 2006 — Hamas sees no political gain in recognizing Israel and will resist doing so despite Western sanctions on the Palestinian government it leads, the Islamist movement’s leader Khaled Meshaal said late on Thursday.
“Hamas will not surrender to those wanting to mount a coup against it, will not recognize Israel and will not abandon armed resistance,” Meshaal said at a ceremony to mark the start of the final 10 days of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.
Hamas’ refusal to participate in any administration that recognises Israel has contributed to preventing the formation of a Palestinian coalition government that could negotiate with Israel and do business with the West. Aides to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have warned he may appoint an emergency government or call early elections after the latest efforts to form a unity government withy Hamas failed.
The United States, Israel’s chief ally, and the European Union say any Palestinian government must recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept previous peace accords.
