Haniyeh sets goals for unity government, stresses "forming of national security departments that do not cooperate with Israel"

The chances of a peaceful negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were almost nonexistent when Arafat was in power. Then they became totally nonexistent. Then it got worse. From Maan News:

Prime Minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh said Saturday a proposed unity government should not threaten the resistance.

Speaking at the Islamic University in Gaza City, Haniyeh said that "we were able to establish a deal that reflects the people's will."

"It's true there are the Oslo Accords, but we were able to form a government that reflects the people's will, not the outside will and unjust agreements" with Israel, he said at a ceremony marking the death of a prominent Hamas leader.

Of central importance, he said, was the forming of national security departments that do not cooperate with Israel. "Protecting the resistance weapon" should be a priority, he added.

"A national strategy should be established to protect the resistance weapon within the framework of living our lives amidst the stages of liberation from the occupation," Haniyeh said.

He added that a meeting is expected to be held between President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas chief Khalid Mash'al during which the two leaders will discuss forming the national unity government.

(h/t: IMRA)