The Deputy Chairman of Hamas's Political Bureau Moussa Abu Marzouq denied reports on regional interferences in the movement's decision-making process, confirming that the movement is sticking to resistance. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat daily newspaper on Friday, Abu Marzouq said: "Everyone knows that the movement takes its decisions independently". "Egypt has previously made some remarks in this regard, also with regard to the relation between the movement and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and the Iranian interference in the movement's decision-making process" he affirmed. "Egypt has added that the only legitimate leader is Mahmoud Abbas, while we told Egypt that Iran does not interfere in the Palestinian cause." "Hamas is totally independent, as we have signed reconciliations in Mecca or Cairo rather than Tehran or Damascus. We have also previously accepted a ceasefire under Egyptian mediation." The movement is ready to backtrack on its decision if Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met to requirements of the dialogue, Abu Marzouq said. He called for respect for the Palestinian system, adding that this system is based on legislative power for Hamas and the presidency to the Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). Resistance does not harm Egypt's security, but, on the contrary, it serves Egypt from a strategic point of view, he added. For his part, the head of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs Abdel Ra'ouf Al-Ridid said he appreciated UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's statement condemning Israel's blockade on Gaza. He described this blockade as a mass punishment and a blatant violation of the international law on human rights and the Fourth Geneva Convention (GCIV). We appreciate the initiatives launched by men and women all over the world to break the Israeli blockade through voyages carrying aid and medicines and challenging the land, sea and air siege of Gaza.
