Hamas condemns Abbas' remarks on resistance

The Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas condemned on Friday remarks made by Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas describing “resistance” as “violence,” a statement said.

“Abbas’ remarks are considered a kind of defamation of the Palestinian resistance, as well as serving the anti-Palestinian and anti-resistance positions,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu-Zuhri said.

Abbas also said “preconditions to a ceasefire from both the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian fighters are not needed or necessary.”

Speaking to Al-Mayadeen TV, Abbas said that Palestinians are the losers every minute the Israeli war continues. He stressed the need for an urgent ceasefire without preconditions.

Abbas said that he could offer nothing more than consolation to his people under Israeli fire, describing them as “fuel to war traders.” He added: “I am against war traders from both sides.”

It is now the fifth day of Israel’s offensive against Gaza. More than 120 Palestinians have been killed and more than 700 wounded, according to medical sources. Most of the casualties are civilians.

For a ceasefire, Hamas is calling for ending the war, lifting the 7-year siege on Gaza and releasing the prisoners agreed upon in the 2012 prisoner swap.