By Xinhua,
Gaza : A leader of Hamas on Sunday said the Islamic movement will not allow holding early parliamentary elections in the Palestinian territories.
“Everyone has to accept the results of the democratic process which brought Hamas into power,” said Mahmoud Zahar, Hamas’ former foreign minister. “Elections can not be carried out now because this goes with the Israeli and American intentions.”
Hamas won parliamentary elections in January 2006, defeating the long-dominant Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas. But the calls for early elections increased after Hamas violently took over Gaza Strip a year ago.
The calls aim at overcoming political and economic crisis which deepened in the Hamas-controlled Gaza as a result of Israeli blockade imposed on the territory since June last year.
Meanwhile, Zahar said Hamas sticks to its conditions regarding a ceasefire with Israel. “The lull must ensure the lifting of the closure, reopening the crossings and stopping the Israeli aggression.”
He added Hamas still awaits Israeli responses, which will be presented through Egyptian mediators, to the offer raised by Hamas.