Hamas Leader Meshaal: We insist on all of the Palestinian demands

Head of Hamas’s political bureau Khaled Meshaal insisted Monday in an exclusive interview with AFP that his movement’s demands, particularly the lifting of the Gaza blockade, had to be met before a durable truce with Israel could be achieved.

“This (Gaza) battle will shorten the way towards the achievement of Palestinian rights, the removal of occupation, and the establishment of the long-awaited Palestinian state”, he said.

He pointed out that his movement is ready, along with other Palestinian factions, to resist on the ground and in the political field and to face all possibilities.

Meshaal also said that zionist regime PM Netanyahu had “failed militarily” and is facing “an internal crisis”.

“Netanyahu is trying to achieve through negotiations what he has failed to achieve by military means,” he explained.

Mishaal stressed the importance of meeting all Palestinian demands mainly the establishment of an airport and a seaport.

“The final goal we insist upon is having the demands of Palestinians met and the Gaza siege lifted once and for all,” he continued.

“These demands are not unnatural. These are rights of the Palestinian people who want to live without blockade, starvation, and travel ban,” said Mishaal.

The supreme Hamas leader welcomed any effort being made to meet Palestinian demands. “We have no problem with any broker that can achieve our demands, either through Egyptian mediation or any other Arab or international mediation. The important thing for us is that our demands are met.”

He stressed the Palestinian negotiating team’s unity and adherence to Palestinian demands.

“The current ceasefire is one of the ways or tactics to ensure successful negotiations or to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza”, he said, pointing to the difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Regarding talks with Israelis, he said that “negotiations between enemies are known to have happened throughout history … and it is not a taboo to negotiate with one’s enemies. It is realistic and logical when the other party is looking for peace.”

He stressed that there is no two Palestinian authorities in the present time. “We have formed a unity government a few months ago that represents Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and we are all united under the same political regime,” he added.

“Large and continued demonstrations and protests have been organized in the West Bank since the start of Israeli aggression on Gaza. The West Bank has revolted against settlement and occupation and in support of Palestinian resistance in Gaza. The West Bank and Gaza share the same battle against Israeli occupation.”

Hundreds of marches have been organized throughout Europe, South Africa, US, and all over the world in support of Gaza and in protest against Israeli crimes.

Concerning the reconstruction of Gaza, Mishaal held Israel the main responsibility for the financial losses inflicted during its aggression. The international community also has to bear its responsibility towards the reconstruction of Gaza.