Hamas leader: Arab differences are internal affairs

By Wasim Saif al-Din

BEIRUT

Senior Hamas leader Moussa Abu Marzouk confirmed Saturday his group’s position on the Gulf crisis over Qatar that “Arab differences are internal affairs.”

"The Hamas focus will remain directed towards Palestine and Jerusalem, and towards national unity and the cohesion of the Palestinian people," Marzouk, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, told a press conference in Beirut after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

"It is supposed that no one should differ over supporting the Palestinian cause," he added, affirming that “our weapons will remain directed solely at the Zionist enemy [Israel] which we will continue to resist.”

The Hamas leader added, "We are all grateful to the Lebanese government and people and the various factions which embrace our Palestinian people and our national cause."

According to UN figures, roughly 460,000 Palestinians are currently living in 12 refugee camps scattered across Lebanon.

Marzouk's comments came at a time of diplomatic crisis in the region after several Arab and Gulf countries cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.

On Tuesday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir called on Qatar to stop backing certain Islamic organizations, citing Egypt’s Brotherhood and Hamas in particular, a call firmly rejected by Hamas.