Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Iran-Backed Hamas, Hizbullah Agree to Continue Fight Against Israel

World Tribune:
Leaders from the two groups met in Beirut and discussed strategy amid efforts to arrange a Palestinian Authority ceasefire with Israel. The Islamic insurgency organizations rejected the ceasefire and said they would maintain the war against the Jewish state. ...

The statement said the Jan. 30 meeting included Hizbullah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Masha'al, Middle East Newsline reported. Both groups have received significant support from Iran. ...

Western intelligence sources said Masha'al has been seeking to expand Hamas operations outside of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The sources said Hamas has received funding from Hizbullah and Iran to establish networks around the Middle East, Europe and the United States.