Hamas denies supporting Anwar’s Israel comment

(NST) – Hamas denies having a parallel stance with opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over his recent statement supporting Israel’s security concern.

Hamas political bureau deputy chairman Dr Mousa Abu Marzouk said Hamas would never recognise the Zionist regime as Israel was an illegally-founded country.

His statement contradicted Anwar’s insistence that his “contingent support” of Israel’s security was in line with the wishes of Fatah and Hamas leaders.

“I was informed of Anwar’s statement in support of Israel. Hamas, as a Muslim organisation, has nothing to do with that statement.

“Our stand on Israel has never, and will never, change. Whatever the reason, Hamas will not recognise Israel,” said Mousa in an interview aired over TV3 last night.

He  said the existence of the state of Israel had interfered with the administration and threatened the security and sanctity of Aqsa Mosque.

“Israel’s greed has never stopped. It will continue its goal of expanding its territory on Palestine soil while Hamas will continue with our struggle to liberate Palestine.”

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader shocked the nation, including his political ally Pas, when his statement proclaiming “contingent” support”  of  Israel’s security in The Wall Street Journal made headlines in January.

Succumbing to public outcry, Anwar was forced to explain his statement to his staunchest supporter in Pas, its spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, on Feb 21.

After the meeting, Anwar reiterated that his stand on Israel was consistent with that of  Palestinian political factions Hamas and Fatah.

“In the end,  I said I followed the desires of Hamas and Fatah and what was negotiated among them in Doha two weeks ago.”

Despite Anwar’s insistence that Nik  Aziz understood his stand, the latter said the party would not recognise Israel, stressing that it was haram (forbidden) to have ties with the state.

Last month, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh  also expressed shock and disappointment over Anwar’s  statement.

Haniyeh made the statement when he met al-Quds Malaysia Foundation management board chairman Nasharuddin Mat Isa during the latter’s visit to Kuwait.

Other Hamas officials had also expressed the same sentiment and questioned Anwar’s motive.