International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, 22 Aug 2008

Speaking on the 39th anniversary of an arson attack on the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City, Hamas leader in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh declared on Wednesday that his group will not sign onto any peace deal that does not call for Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley to be returned to the Palestinians, as well as ensuring the right of return for Palestinian refugees to go back to Israel.

"No one can cede Jerusalem, the city from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens… Jerusalem will be retrieved to the Palestinians not through negotiations or by hugging and kissing the enemy, but by way of jihad, blood, shahids, and resistance. With Allah’s help, Jerusalem will be returned," said Haniyeh.

He added that "the Israeli Arabs are safeguarding the al-Aqsa Mosque; it is as if they are inside the belly of a whale. They represent the Islamic nation. We send them out regards, especially to Sheikh Raed Salah (founder of the Islamic Movement in Israel)."

Haniyeh said that "according to most all reports on secret peace talks or agreements, Israel is refusing to relinquish Jerusalem and the West Bank, refuses to accept the right of return of Palestinian refugees, refuses to dismantle the settlements and deems the Jordan Valley vital to its security…. On behalf of the Palestinian nation and Muslims everywhere, I say that we will not accept any such agreements."

The Hamas leader also charged that Israel intends to destroy Al-Aqsa and appealed to all Muslims to "protect Jerusalem," reported Ynetnews.

Copyright © 2006 International Christian Embassy Jerusalem