Mesh'al: Palestinians do not need mediators to unite

Chief of Hamas Political Bureau Khalid Mesh’al said on Friday that the Palestinians do not need mediators to unite them.

Mesh’al, who is on a two-day visit to Tunis, responded to a question regarding an earlier message sent by the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas calling for the Head of the Tunisian Islamic Movement Al-Nahdah Sheikh Rashid Al-Ghanouchi to mediate a Palestinian reconciliation.

“Hamas welcomes any reconciliation efforts,” said Mesh’al, “but the Palestinians are not in need of mediators, they are not divided.”

Regarding the issue of expected direct talks between Hamas and Israel, Mesh’al said that Hamas’ position regarding this issue is clear. “This does not exist on Hamas’ agenda and it is not on the table,” he said, “if there is a necessity for talks, they would be indirect.”

Hamas senior leader Musa Abu-Marzouq said on Wednesday that Hamas might be obliged to go for direct talks with Israel under popular pressure if the siege on the Gaza Strip continued.

Commenting on his visit to Tunis, Mesh’al said: “It is a chance for consultation regarding several issues, including measures to accelerate relief and shelter for Gazans, as well as the reconstruction of the Strip.”

He continued: “All members of the international community are responsible for the reestablishment of Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals, electricity plants and other things.”

Mesh’al also visited Tunis to discuss the issue of prosecuting Israeli occupation leaders as the Tunisan President Al-Muncif Al-Marzouqi, who was a human rights activist, has a lot of experience in this field.

In addition, he said that his visit is a kind of appreciation for the Tunisian efforts and support for the Palestinians during the latest Israeli war on Gaza.