Eyad Khalifa-Amman
Some Palestinian factions are expected to convey on February 4, 2003 their response to the Egyptian proposal to stops their attacks inside Israel. This proposal was presented to the Palestinians, after the meeting held recently in Cairo. From the statements released by the leaders of these factions to Albawaba.com, it seems there is insistence on their part to continue with the military operations, particularly in view of the latest Israeli election results.
Many of the Palestinian leaders rebuffed the accusations that their rejection to halt the resistance has been the reason behind the failure of the Palestinian dialogue in Cairo. They emphasized the need to enfore Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, to halt his aggression against the Palestinian people with the understanding that these factions take the defensive role of the Palestinian people rather than the offensive one.
Referring to the operations which some Palestinian armed wings still carry out against Israeli targets, prominent Hamas leader, Mahmoud Al Zahhar told Albawaba.com he believed the response of Hamas and other four Palestinian factions (Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Democratic Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Al Aqsa Martyr Brigades) has actually been delivered to the Egyptians. He added, “we are in a stage of self defense.”
In his comments regarding the proposed cease-fire, Zahhar stated, “we should not reflect the issue as if it was a war between two armies that need cease-fire.”
Responding to a question about the need for excluding civilians inside Israel from being targeted, Zahhar said this cannot be offered for free but can be discussed, provided Palestinian prisoners will be released in addition to the fulfillment of other conditions Hamas handed over to the Egyptians. He added Hama would welcome any success they might achieve in this respect, otherwise he does not believe, particularly in view of the results the Israeli recent elections, anybody will agree to give Sharon “a free gift” that makes him feel he has achieved victories on the Palestinians.
The Arabic media published reports about secret negotiations between Hamas delegation, which is still in Cairo, and the Egyptian government aiming at convincing Hamas to stop its operations in exchange for opening a representation office in Cairo. Zahhar said he has not heard about these reports and that his movement would not sacrifice its stance for an office.
For her part, Merriam Abu Dakkah, member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine politburo, agreed with Zahhar’s comments and asserted that her movement would emphasize to the Egyptian government on February 4 the need for the continuation of the uprising and resistance, which she described as a Palestinian right. She added that after reaching a political program that would unify all Palestinian powers, any issue could be discussed so that decisions will come out of a Palestinian consensus.
Earlier, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine presented a paper to Cairo meeting calling for the formation of a joint national leadership to assume responsibility for the current pressures, confront the occupation and help in the continuation of resistance and uprising.
Abu Dakkah also referred to Gaza document which outlined the Popular Front’s stance and which, according to her, secured the approval of all factions except for some reservations by Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements.
For its part, the Islamic Jihad movement asserted its stance of resistance. “We reiterated in the previous sessions that Israel is the aggressor and the one who owns the war machine targeting all the Palestinians on 24-hour basis. Therefore Israel should be demanded to halt its aggression on the Palestinian people and the civilians in particular,” said Nafeth Azzam, an Islamic Jihad leader. He added that the secretary general of his movement, Abdulla Ramadan Shalah told the meeting that if Israel stopped its aggression on the Palestinian people and particularly the civilians, his movement would then mull this direction. (Albawaba.com)
