| [ 08/01/2011 - 07:52 AM ] |
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DAMASCUS, (PIC)-- Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Resheq denied Friday Fatah's claims that Hamas vowed to secure the six hunger strikers from Israel upon their release from PA prisons. Resheq also challenged the notion that Fatah was shielding those protesters from Israel by holding them prisoner, as was also claimed by the Fatah group in statements it gave following their arrest by Israel a few hours after they were set free from Fatah-controlled PA jails. Six Hamas supporters went on hunger strike more than forty days back amid demands for their freedom. The Palestinian supreme court ruled in favor of their release, but the PA security militias failed to implement the decision. The strikers were later hesitantly released after growing popular pressure and intervention on the part of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, but Israel took custody of them just hours after they stepped on free soil. Hamas has assigned blame for their arrests to Fatah, saying the abduction took place under the party's West Bank jurisdiction. Resheq in a press statement Friday called Fatah allegation that Hamas promised to protect the hunger strikers upon their release an "attempt to escape responsibility". "Israel's military entry was under the nose of the PA and its security agencies and officers, who cleared the path for them to commit whatever crimes they please," Resheq said. |
Resheq denies Fatah claims that Hamas vowed to secure hunger strikers « 63 Years Occupation is Enough | فلسطين