Hamas government back in business amid bomb rubble

HAMAS government in Gaza was back in business yesterday, operating from makeshift offices because most administrative buildings were bombed.

The Palestinian militant group was preparing for new talks with Egypt on consolidating the week-long ceasefire with Israel.

The group said it would be distributing €40 million in aid to people affected by Israel’s three-week offensive against Hamas that devastated Gaza. The cash compensations for lost relatives or damaged homes would come from its own funds, Hamas said, until relief pledged by international donors can come in. Hamas receives millions in funding from Iran and donations from supporters around the world, believed to be smuggled into the blockaded territory through tunnels.

Some Hamas aid has already been passed out in a few cases in recent days, but Hamas said its formal distribution began yesterday.

Top Hamas leaders remained in hiding, apparently still fearing an Israeli strike despite the ceasefire. But lower-level Hamas officials could be seen back at work yesterday, sometimes operating outside from a table set next to the rubble of their destroyed offices. Early in the morning, Hamas national security chief Gen Hussein Abu Athra signed orders on the hood of his car next to the pummeled historic building that had served as security headquarters.

A Hamas delegation was to start talks with Egyptian officials yesterday on means to reopen the border, largely closed since the group violently took over Gaza in June 2007.

The issue is key to preserving the ceasefire, and Israel, the US and Egypt are trying to work out security arrangements to ensure Hamas does not smuggle arms into the strip before any opening.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said discussions would address a detailed ceasefire agreement.

“We are not going to accept less than opening the borders... and lifting the sanctions,” said Barhoum. “We reject an open-ended ceasefire, but temporary calm with guarantees can be discussed.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s cabinet was due to vote yesterday on a measure ensuring the government will provide “moral and legal support” for military officers in potential court cases related to the war’s conduct.