Haniyeh Praises HH the Emir's Genuine and Historic Role in Support of the Palestinian People

Doha, January 31 (QNA) - Head of the saked Palestinian government Ismail Haniyeh said he has extended thanks to HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for his historical and genuine role in support of the Palestinian people, in the face of the siege being imposed on Gaza Strip and during the Israeli war on Gaza , referring in this regard to the holding of an emergency Arab summit in Doha to discuss the Israeli aggression on Gaza, and by setting up a fund to reconstruct what was destroyed by the Israeli occupation. Haniyeh also said he thanked HH the Emir for hosting a number of freed Palestinians in Qatar". Haniyeh who is currently visiting Doha said in an interview with the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that he had reviewed with HH the Emir the latest developments of the Palestinian question , especially the Palestinian reconciliation, the dangers that Jerusalem is facing due to Israeli policies, as well as regional developments, particularly, the Arab Spring and its impact on the Palestinian question. He said that he had also discussed with HH the Emir issues such as the reconstruction of the infrastructure and establishment of some projects in Gaza. On whether the reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas were suspended due to new disagreements between the two sides, Haniyeh said: "No suspension nor withdrawal , we are determined to move forward with the Palestinian reconciliation, he added, noting that there are some obstacles that facing the implementation of what has been agreed upon, but we and our brothers in Fatah movement are working to overcome these obstacles, and leadership meetings between Hamas and Fatah are going on", Haniyeh added. On whether he expects new Israeli attacks on Gaza at this particular time to undermine the steps toward reconciliation, Haniyeh said: "We always expect the worst from Israel, because this occupation is aggressive, and its threats do not stop, whether on Gaza or other". Asked whether the U.S. position toward Hamas has changed, he said: "Unfortunately US continues to move on the rhythm of the Israeli vision, and adopts the Israeli position in respect to Hamas, and we have always asked the United States and others to hear from Hamas instead of hearing from Israel ...... Hamas, he said is a national liberation movement like any national liberation movement .... there are people under occupation, we demand the United States to reconsider this incorrect position", Haniyeh added . On Hamas-Jordan ties in the wake of Meshaal's Qatar-sponsored visit to Amman, Haniyeh said "Jordanian-Palestinian ties are historical and we are pleased to resume these ties and the visit by HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Khaled Meshaal and Hamas delegation to meet HM Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman opens new horizons for hope,". On the European stance regarding Hamas, Haniyeh said, "there is more interaction on the European arena and relations are developing with some European countries." Haniyeh commented on the Arab countries' response to Gaza siege and said that they wanted more than that. "We want to completely end the siege. We need to get construction materials, end the problems of electricity and fuel, provide Gaza Strip with its needs and opening crossings for importing and exporting. There are Arab decisions with regards to the issue and we hope they would be implemented especially under the Arab Spring," Haniyeh said. When asked about Hamas stance from the situation in Syria, Haniyeh said, "we are one of the sides calling for preventing Syrian bloodshed because the Syrian blood is very precious. At the same time, we hope that Syria would enjoy security, stability, reform and democracy." Haniyeh said he supports an Arab resolution in Syria because it "cuts the way for any foreign intervention." (END)