Region | Palestinian Territories

Hamas threatens to breach Egypt and Israeli borders

Want blockade lifted as Barak says group is responsible for all the misery and hardship in Gaza

  • AP
  • Published: 21:31 April 8, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Hamas policemen patrol a street in Gaza yesterday.
  • Image Credit: Reuters

Gaza City (AP) The ruling Hamas group yesterday threatened to storm the Egyptian and Israeli borders if the two countries don't lift their blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The threat, made by senior Hamas leader Khalil Al Haya, came two months after the group blew open the Egyptian border to relieve the international blockade of Gaza, allowing thousands of Palestinians to leave Gaza.

"The situation is no longer bearable," Al Haya told a news conference. "All options are open to breach this border. Not only the Egyptian border, but other borders as well," he said, in a clear reference to Israel.

Israel and Egypt sealed their borders with the coastal strip, home to 1.4 million Gazans, after Hamas violently seized control of Gaza last June. Few people or goods are allowed in and out of the area, causing economic hardship and widespread shortages of basic goods, fuel and electricity.

Israel has said it will ease the blockade only if Hamas halts rocket fire and other attacks on Israeli targets. Egypt refuses to recognise Hamas's rule and has said it can only open the border as part of an international agreement.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said yesterday that Hamas is responsible for all the misery and hardship in Gaza.

"We see Hamas as responsible for everything that is happening in Gaza. Hamas is responsible and the Hamas will when the time comes suffer the consequences," said Barak.

Israeli troops frequently battle Hamas fighters in Gaza.

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