Palestinian Movements Celebrate Hamas Anniversary, Reiterate Rejection of Washington Talks

Published December 20th, 2000 - 03:00 GMT

By Izzat Ramini

Albawaba.com - Ramallah

Representatives of the Palestinian groups steering the Intifada reiterated on Wednesday their rejection of any peace deal with Israel that will not secure sovereignty over Jerusalem, including the negotiations underway in Washington.

The statement was made at a rally held in Ramallah by the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, marking its 13th anniversary.

Hamas was launched as the military wing of the Muslim Brotherhood days after the first Palestinian Intifada broke out in 1987.

Hamas spiritual leader, Ahmad Yassin, politburo chief, Khalid Mishaal, and Fateh secretary in the West Bank, Marwan Bargouthi, addressed the thousands of Hamas supporters and Intifada activists.

The leaders stressed that the uprising is “the only way to recover the Palestinian national rights.” They also underlined the importance of preserving the national unity, which Sheikh Yassin said is a fruit of the Intifada.