Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Hamas Drops Call for Israel’s Destruction | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page

London, Asharq Al-Awsat- The election program of the Change and Reform bloc which will represent Hamas in the upcoming Palestinian elections is not opposed to the Palestinian group’s charter, said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri on Thursday.

“The agreement discusses details and tools of implementation for the next four years [the mandate of the legislative council] whereas our charter discusses our vision and strategy.”

The program for the 25 January vote did not mention the controversial reference to the annihilation of the “Zionist entity” whish appears the 1988 founding charter.

Hamas’ spokesman refused to link the less confrontational text with US and European demands to delete any mention of the destruction of Israel, following the P.L.O’s example when it amended its national charter.

“First, I do not believe that the text is diluted. Second, we are no concerned about these demands. The matter, as I said, is related to the inclusion of details and problem-solving tools for the next four years. The group continues to abide to the ideas and strategies included in the charter.”