Gaza chief promises Palestinian unity to fight off occupation

Meshaal says Hamas will never recognise Israel Jihad and resistance are the only ways to achieve Palestine’s liberation, repeated Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal on Sunday. “Freedom first, then the state,” said the chief-in-exile in Gaza, who hadn’t stepped on Palestinian land for 37 years.
In a speech marking the 25th anniversary of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal called for a genuine reconciliation to end the divisions between Palestinian factions, including Fatah: \"We, Hamas, are ready to agree on a joint political programme; we will insist on retaining Jerusalem and all the other Palestinian conditions. We will not recognise Israel.”
Meshaal added: \"We will not accept any programme at the expense of our national priorities.
“We have negotiated, modified our political programme for over 20 years. But resistance will remain the backbone of our victory.”
Hopeful, the Hamas leader gave a positive picture of a united Palestine: “Reconciliation means one prime minister, one legislative council and a single political reference: the PLO. We share the same opinions on resistance, and we want Jerusalem to be our capital.”
Mashaal also commented on the victory of Mahmoud Abbas at the United Nations: \"It’s a good step; but we want it to support reconciliation and serve the national programme.\"
Meshaal repeated his party’s refusal to recognise Israel: “Israel has no legitimacy here; no matter how long they’ve stayed.”
“All the changes that affected Palestine, such as the occupation, settlements, Judaisation and the siege, are void. The resistance will change that very soon.
“The liberation of Palestine is our duty and our goal. This is the responsibility of the Palestinian people and the Islamic nation.”
Meshaal took the opportunity to call all Arab and Islamic countries to support armed resistance in Palestine. He addressed the Arab leaders: \"The resistance in Palestine needs your money and weapons.
He warned that the Zionist project is dangerous for the security of Arab and Islamic countries.
Meshaal also addressed all Palestinians who are detained in Israel: “We managed –thanks to God – to liberate some of you. We will free the rest of you very soon, you will return to your homeland.”