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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A Hamas strongman said Friday that the militant group doesn’t want an escalation in fighting with Israel, despite a rise in violence in recent weeks.
Mahmoud Zahar said Hamas is “committed to the calm” that has largely held since Israel’s punishing military incursion in Gaza nearly two years ago. He indicated, however, that Hamas has used the quiet period to rearm.
Zahar, speaking to thousands of supporters after Friday prayers in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, said the unofficial cease-fire is not a sign of weakness.
“Instead, it’s a sign of power, and anyone could look to what the occupation’s military leaders are talking about,” he said. The Associated Press
