Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., February 13, 2008 Adar1 7, 5768 | | Israel Time: 04:36 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Ghazi Hamad. (AP) Last update - 01:23 21/10/2007 Former Hamas spokesman blasts takeover of Gaza Strip By Reuters Tags: Gaza Strip, Israel, Hamas A well-known Hamas figure on Saturday publicly criticized the group's seizure of the Gaza Strip, in a rare case of open dissent within the ranks of the Islamist group. In a letter addressed to Hamas leaders, Ghazi Hamad, a former spokesman of the Hamas-led government who speaks frequently to Israeli media, called Hamas's four-month rule of the coastal enclave a "trap". " Advertisement I have regarded it as a grave strategic mistake," Hamad said in his letter, published on the Palestinian Web site AMAD. "Instead of expanding its relations with the Arab and international community ... (Hamas) has become isolated and besieged in the narrow strip." Hamad himself declined to comment on the letter. A Palestinian official familiar with the matter said the letter was not intended for publication. Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in June after routing forces loyal to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's secular Fatah faction. Abbas responded to the takeover by dismissing a Hamas-led unity government and appointing his own administration in the West Bank. Hamas has refused to renounce violence, recognize Israel and abide by interim peace agreements as demanded by the United States and other major Western powers. Hamas leaders have proposed a long-term ceasefire in return for Israeli withdrawal from land it captured in the 1967 Middle East war. "It is hard for Hamas leaders to admit their mistakes, but I tell them that admitting mistakes is something that does not go against their religion," Hamad said in the letter. Hamad said the takeover was placing Hamas under heavy domestic pressure, causing "a thousand needless political problems". Hamas officials declined to comment on Hamad's letter. Hamas has tried to distance itself from Hamad since the former government spokesman voiced support for negotiations with Israel. Hamas said Hamad was only speaking for himself Bookmark to del.icio.us   Gore wins TAU prize Al Gore and Amos OZ are among the recipients of the 2008 Dan David Prize. Spring roll strike Asian eateries across Israel cut menu over plans to rid kitchens of foreign chefs.   1.   LAKSHMI AND HAMAS 01:52  |  Brant 21/10/07   2.   Ghazi Hamad is correct. 02:15  |  Kipperraes 21/10/07   3.   He Won`t Live Long 02:20  |  Jane 21/10/07   4.   From a PR standpoint 03:19  |  Mark Lincoln 21/10/07   5.   Could this be a ploy by Hamas to... 03:39  |  Anat 21/10/07   6.   Hey Dutch and Lakshami 04:00  |  Jason, Ph.D. 21/10/07   7.   you misunderstand "mistake" 04:04  |  Joseph 21/10/07   8.   Jane, He won`t live long 04:07  |  Jay 21/10/07   9.   Islam is the enemy and Hamas is its executioner 04:15  |  Eli 21/10/07   10.   Jane my bet is on lackeyshmi 04:15  |  infidel 21/10/07   11.   This is all part of a good guy/bad guy circus.... 04:36  |  Edward 21/10/07   12.   hamas 06:02  |  charlie 21/10/07   13.   He wants negotiations so Hamas says he is on his own 06:35  |  PETER S.M. 21/10/07   14.   Brant 09:33  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 21/10/07   15.   Well, Hamas still have a chance to change, by: 09:47  |  Danny 21/10/07   16.   Hamas will split and crumble 14:04  |  Ronnie Wolman 21/10/07   17.   Its time EGYPT takes back its citizens 14:21  |  Dr David I. Gross 21/10/07   18.   Hamas is better than Fatah and Dialectics.. 14:45  |  Fritz 21/10/07   19.   Dr. David Gross, any long term future accomodation will indeed 14:56  |  Uri Ravid 21/10/07   20.   ISRAEL REFUSES TO RENOUNCE VIOLENCE, RECOGNIZE PALESTINE 14:58  |  Val 21/10/07   21.   Egypt doesnt want Gaza and shouldnt have it 15:05  |  Ronnie Wolman 21/10/07   22.   Val, actually Islam has set sail to Europe in order to occupy it, 15:18  |  Rami Khouri 21/10/07   23.   #20 val and sheer ignorance make a post ! not 15:28  |  victor hardman 21/10/07   24.   VAL having trouble understanding Hamas` own quote? 15:32  |  PETER S.M. 21/10/07   25.   Mistake (?) for Hamas, Luck (?) for Abbas; US/Israel big mistake 16:15  |  Tosefta 21/10/07   26.   Val # 20 16:37  |  DH 21/10/07   27.   Eli of Atlanta, well said! 16:58  |  akiva (zionist) 21/10/07   28.   mistake? 16:58  |  khairi janbek 21/10/07   29.   Edward of New York, @#11 17:05  |  akiva (zionist) 21/10/07   30.   Tosefta: `I have no answer` 17:19  |  Ronnie Wolman 21/10/07   31.   #20 Val, Re Good Faith or go home . 18:40  |  Dutch 21/10/07   32.   Hamad denied this letter! 19:38  |  Gaza reader 21/10/07   33.   DH 19:40  |  .. 21/10/07   34.   re Jane #3 `He won`t live long` 20:10  |  Colin Wright 21/10/07   35.   More clashes in Gaza. 12 hurt 21:20  |  KUTW 21/10/07   36.   27Gaza Reader& 22 Ram Khouri,Gaza reader many thanks,this story 21:44  |  lakshmi 21/10/07   37.   # 3 to jane in FLORIDA: no bets 09:03  |  eric 11/12/07   38.   # 5 a ploy anat? 09:08  |  eric 11/12/07   39.   # 7 to joseph 09:29  |  eric 11/12/07   40.   Soothsayers of Rome! 00:29  |  Paul 13/02/08

Today Online Bradley Burston: Sderot as Stalingrad, Hamas as Samson Responses: 163 Ahmed Yousef: Palestinian revenge was inevitable Responses: 154 Israeli town sues Google over claim it was built on Arab village Responses: 185 Majadele: New Arab city will bolster our sense of belonging Responses: 83 Krakow church holds service slamming 'kikes who spit on us' Responses: 242 Rosner's Domain Guest: Why does Obama think talking to "Hitler" can succeed? Obama is gaining momentum- also within the Jews Democratic policy unity is a mirage (WTR) Poll: Is it legitimate to cut electricity to Gaza? Factor: How's McCain better than Obama More Headlines 03:35 Olmert says borders issue will be solved first 23:16 Dov Alfon named as new Haaretz editor-in-chief 02:47 Barak says Ministerial calls for action in Gaza are 'dangerous' 22:50 IDF soldier moderately hurt in stabbing attack near Jenin 18:59 Majadele: New Arab city will bolster our sense of belonging 19:16 Poland won't sue author of book on post-WWII anti-Semitism 04:00 Argentine Jews mourn car crash death of prominent rabbi, aged 37 02:50 Senior Shas officials: Rabbi Yosef not ready to quit coalition 23:55 Merkel to PM: We'll push for more Iran sanctions 19:03 Peres: If we're fired upon, we must hit back without hesitation 23:03 FM to attend Lantos memorial service in Washington, may meet Rice 19:45 Prosecutor rejects appeal in case of killing of Palestinian girl 21:39 Police: Criminal bombings, other arms offenses up dramatically in north Previous Editions Select Day 12 feb 11 feb 10 feb 08 feb 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan 30 jan

Special Offers Advertisement Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations U.S. CITIZEN IN ISRAEL Register now to vote in national election. Do not wait. Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved