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Hamas denies claims of pressure to recognise Israel

March 24, 2017 at 4:55 pm

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said: “Friedman’s description of the Palestinian reactions … reflects this ambassador’s racism, his ignorance of history as well as his disregard for Palestinian rights and international law”.

Hamas has denied media reports claiming the movement has been under pressure to recognise Israel.

The movement’s spokesman, Fawzi Barhoum, denied the claims and described them as “unfounded lies”.

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Barhoum added that everyone knows Hamas’ position on the issue of recognising the occupation, calling on the media to be accurate and professional and refrain from spreading such fabricated news intended to discredit the movement.

The Al-Mayadeen news site reported a “Hamas source” as saying that the movement has been under pressure to recognise Israel but has refused.

The source was commenting on remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu who said that “Hamas has shown willingness to recognise Israel”. The movement did not respond, after Cavusoglu said that Ankara had put pressure on Hamas to lay down its arms and enter into negotiations with Tel Aviv.

Al-Mayadeen reported the “source” as saying that “Hamas has expressed willingness to recognise Israel and is committed to holding legislative elections”.