Hamas demands full Israeli withdrawal

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:55:49 GMT

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum Hamas says that it will not accept the presence of a single Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip as Israel's PM, Ehud Olmert announced a unilateral ceasefire.  "The Zionist enemy must stop all its aggression, completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip, lift the blockade, and open the crossings. We will not accept the presence of a single soldier in Gaza," Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum said on Saturday.  "The enemy's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire confirms that this is a unilateral war launched in one direction, from the enemy upon our people," Barhum, said in a statement.  Olmert announced a unilateral ceasefire to take effect at 00:00 GMT Sunday but said troops would remain in the occupied territory and would return fire if attacked by Palestinian fighters.  Hamas had earlier vowed to continue fighting Israel until all its demands, including the opening of Gaza border-crossings, are met by Tel Aviv.  What Israeli's unilateral ceasefire also does not address is the long-time demand of Gazans for the opening of the Gaza borders so residents can move freely from Gaza to the West Bank and into Egypt; to import goods in order to revive Gaza's totally obliterated industries and to ensure food, fuel and basics get to the civilian population.  The Israeli war on Gaza provoked worldwide condemnation of Tel Aviv, which has been widely accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.  Gazans resistance and the world condemnation of Israeli crimes against Palestinians the native population of the land -- are seen as the primary reasons for Israel backtracking on its previously set goals.  Around 1,200 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 6,000 others have been wounded in the beleaguered Gaza strip since December 27.