Hamas 'willing to stop suicide attacks'
RAMALLAH (West Bank) -- The radical Palestinian movement Hamas has told Saudi Arabia that it is willing to stop suicide bombings on Israeli territory, a Palestinian official said late on Thursday.
A member of the group made the commitment to the Saudis during a meeting in the Western Saudi city of Jeddah, the Palestinian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He also refused to identify the Hamas official involved in the talks.
However, a senior Hamas leader denied the claims.
Mr Ismael Abu Shanab, one of the top leaders of the radical Islamic group, said: 'This information is false. Hamas' choice remains one of resistance in all forms while Palestinian territory is under occupation.'
The Palestinian official had also said that the reported Hamas commitment was aimed at 'allowing the peace process kicked off by the Saudis to run its course and to give it a chance'.
'The Hamas promise is the fruit of dialogue recently opened between Saudi Arabia and the movement, while Riyadh is making efforts to relaunch Middle East peace negotiations,' he added.
The Saudi initiative, unveiled in March, offers Arab peace with Israel in exchange for the Jewish state's withdrawal from all Arab territories seized in the 1967 Middle East war.
The Palestinian official said Hamas' overseas officials, and notably its political wing led by Khaled Meshaal, were leading talks with the Saudis. -- AFP |
