Hamas: US visit proves Israel bias
Ismail Haniyeh spoke as Mr Bush ended a three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank. During the visit, Mr Bush laid out US demands for a peace deal, which he said should be completed this year. He singled out Gaza — which Hamas violently seized in June — as a problem that could not easily be solved in the 12 months remaining in his presidency. The international community is boycotting Hamas because of its refusal to recognise Israel’s rightto exist and renounceviolence.
Mr Haniyeh said Mr Bush’s views on a deal were based on promises to Israel, and did not serve Palestinian interests. “Bush gave Israel all the required pledges to solidify its occupation... while he gave the Palestinians more illusions and slogans, and loose words that only express the deception which has characterised this visit,” said Mr Haniyeh.
