Deposed PM Haniyeh Condemns Israeli Attacks on Gaza, Calls for Boycott of US Peace Conference

27 September 2007

Gaza – Ma'an – Deposed Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh condemned the Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip Wednesday. The attacks left 11 Palestinians dead.

During an event commemorating Palestinian Journalists' Day, Haniyeh called on the Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia, to oppose Israel's aggression. The Hamas-affiliated leader underscored that the attacks came after Israeli Defense minister Ehud Barak called for a large-scale attack on Gaza.

Haniyeh also called for Arab governments to boycott the US-sponsored peace summit slated for November. He said, "The conference was meant to guarantee Arab approval on US president's plans and goals intended to be achieved in the offing."

Haniyeh, who was dismissed by President Mahmoud Abbas in June but still holds power in the Gaza Strip, asserted that European countries are aware that no peace settlement could be implemented without the approval of the whole of Palestinian society. He said Palestinians want human rights, including their own state and the return of Palestinian refugees.