Hamas slams Obama's visit as sabotage on Palestinian reconciliation

Hamas leader and prime minister of the Palestinian government in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, on Friday dismissed US President Barack Obama's visit in the West Bank, saying it was aimed at sabotaging Palestinian reconciliation.

"Obama's visit is an attempt to block efforts to end divisions between Palestinians and to give green light to Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people. The US supports Israel's security, economy and its policies," Haniyeh said after Friday prayer.

Haniyeh said attacks last year in Sinai that killed 16 Egyptian soldiers had nothing to do with Hamas or other Palestinian groups, adding that Hamas never interfered with domestic affairs of Egypt.

Friday, March 22, 2013