Hamas blast Abbas comments on security

Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has blasted comments of  Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas in which he said he will continue to collaborate with the Israeli authorities on security matters. Hamas's official spokesperson, Dr Sami Abu Zihri, issued a brief press release on Monday saying: "Hamas opposes Abbas' comments about security coordination with Israel as it hinders the Palestinian reconciliation." Abu Zehri warned of the dangers of further security coordination with Israel, as "it ensures free service for the Occupation and makes thousands of Palestinians vulnerable to detention". "It is unacceptable that the Palestinian authorities offer free security service for the Occupation while Israeli crimes against our people are mounting," said Abu Zihri.  Abbas had earlier stated he was keen to cooperate with Israel on security, describing calls to stop it as "cheap pretence". He said to the al-Ayam newspaper on Monday: "Security coordination is not only an Israeli interest, it's in Palestinians' favour too."