August 11-Hamas Turns a Deaf Hear On Abbas

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HAMAS TURNS DEAF EAR TO ABBAS ON GAZA
By URI DAN
JERUSALEM � Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas yesterday urged his people to withhold their cheers � and their rockets and gunfire � when Israel pulls its troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip next week.
But Hamas, which is expected to challenge Abbas for control of Gaza, warned him not to 'interfere' with celebrating 'the squashing of the settlements under our feet.'
Abbas said the world will be watching Gaza next week � and a peaceful Israeli withdrawal 'will prove the Palestinian Authority can manage a democratic country.'
'The retreat from Gaza is only a prelude to other retreats leading to the creation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,' he said in Ramallah.
Abbas said there was 'no need for rockets, no need for shells' next week � and even advised against 'festivities,' such as firing rifles in the air.
But Hamas' Gaza leader, Mahmud a-Zahar, said militants wanted to celebrate the Gaza withdrawal, which he said was only achieved 'by fighting the Israelis.'
Israeli officials continued massive preparations yesterday for the pullout, including sealing off part of the West Bank, where four other settlements are also slated to be closed next week.
Brig. Gen. Guy Tzur said the uprooting of all settlers will take 'up to three weeks,' and the destruction of settlers' houses will be completed by the beginning of October.
With Post Wire Services

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