Hamas: Israel threatened to cancel ceasefire over Mashaal visit
Published today (updated) 08/12/2012 19:36
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=545978

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – Israel threatened to cancel the ceasefire agreement
brokered by Egypt if Hamas’ chief in exile and his delegation visited the
Gaza Strip for the movement's 25th anniversary, says senior Hamas leader
Izzat al-Rishiq.

In an interview with the Hamas-affiliated al-Aqsa TV Saturday, al-Rishiq
said, “We received real threats that occupation could cancel the ceasefire
agreement or do anything.”

Al-Rishiq highlighted that Mashaal decided to visit the Gaza Strip even at
personal risk.

Describing the “historic” visit by Hamas’ leaders in exile to Gaza, he said,
“This is a great view, and we are happy to set foot on the pure land of Gaza
and met from the very beginning with our people.”

He added: “Our people should be more assured about resistance. Hamas is a
resistance movement, and without resistance there will be no Hamas.”

On Thursday Islamic Jihad officials said Israel threatened to assassinate
the leader of Islamic Jihad if he entered the Gaza Strip, causing the party
to reconsider.

Egyptian authorities told Islamic Jihad that Israel rejected the visit and
would target leader Ramadan Shalah and his deputy Ziad Nakhla if they went
into Gaza, sources close to the discussions told Ma'an.

Islamic Jihad leaders were considering whether to cancel the visit Thursday.

Israel launched an 8-day assault on Gaza that ended Nov. 21 with a ceasefire
agreement mediated by Egypt.