Hamas and El-Jihad oppose peace agreement

The Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements asserted their opposition to the Israeli - Palestinian agreement signed yesterday at the Wye Plantation, near Washington DC in the United States.

The founder and spiritual mentor of Hamas, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, denounced the security agreement between Palestinians and Israelis, considering it treason, and saying that it makes the Palestinians pay more than what is gained. He added that any new procedures against Hamas could restrict the activity of its military wing, the Izziddin Al Qassam Brigade, but only temporarily.

Sheikh Yassin said Hamas strongly opposes any agreement between Israel and the Palestinian government that does not put an end to the Israeli occupation and ensure freedom and independence for the Palestinians.

In a statement he made on Friday in Gaza, Sheikh Yassin added, "We oppose this agreement which will be signed today in Washington between Israel and the Palestinian authorities because it does not meet the demands of the Palestinians," Israeli radio reported.

Meanwhile, followers of the Islamic Jihad movement walked in a riotous demonstration on the third anniversary of the assassination of Fathi El-Shekaki, leader of the movement, burning Israeli and US flags, expressing opposition to the agreement.

Nafez Azam, current leader of the movement, warned of the "land for peace" agreement, which he said will encourage Israel to pursue its "crimes."