Hamas` power not affected by Israeli assaults : spokesman

Jakarta, NU Online
A Hamas spokesman who is also a special envoy of the Palestine prime minister, Sammi Abu Uzair, said here on Friday Hamas` power had never dropped although it was bombarded by Israel.

Uzair made the statement after meetings with People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Hidayat Nurwahid and House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Agung Laksono at the parliament building here on Friday.<>

Before his meeting with Agung Laksono, Uzair held a closed- door friendly gathering with Hidayat Nurwahid, the Hamas spokesman said after Friday prayers at Baiturrahman Mosque in the parliament building complex.

On the occasion, Uzair expressed high gratitude to the Indonesian people for their support for Palestine`s struggle to gain independence.

Hamas would continue its struggle and fight against Israel, he said, adding that Indonesia should not send volunteer fighters to Palestine because his country already have many trained volunteer fighters.

Palestine instead needed more humanitarian relief aid, he was quoted by Antara news agency.

Uzair reiterated Hamas`s military wing had remained solid and had vowed to keep fighting against Israel.

He further said that the 22 day-assaults committed by Israeli military since December 27, 2008 had killed some 1,330 people and injured 5,450 others.

The vicious Israeli attacks had also destroyed at least 4,000 houses, he said.

The bombing raids and ground attacks launched against the Palestinians had killed elderly people, women and children, and destroyed schools, places of worship and hospitals. (dar)