Haniyeh: Washington’s position on Rafah invasion is deceptive

GAZA, April 21 (YPA) -Head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh, affirmed that Washington’s position on the invasion of Rafah is deceptive and Palestinians “have not fallen into the trap of job swapping between Americans and Israelis.

This came during an exclusive interview with Anadolu News Agency.

“The US position is deceptive, even though it says it does not want civilians to be harmed, this is an attempt at manipulation. All the civilians killed in Gaza, thousands, tens of thousands of martyrs, were killed with US weapons, with US rockets, under US political protection. What does the US veto of the cease-fire resolution at the UNSC mean? It means that the US is giving full protection and umbrella to the continuation of the massacres and murders against Gaza,” Haniyeh told Anadolu News Agency.

Regarding the resistance of the Palestinian people, Haniyeh said “If the Zionist enemy enters into Rafah, Palestinian people will not raise the white flag. The resistance fighters in Rafah are ready to defend themselves and resist attacks.”

He explained that Israel has not accepted a cease-fire in Gaza despite all the negotiations as dozens of proposals have been submitted through mediators.

“All it wants is to take back the prisoners and then restart the war in Gaza, and this is not possible,” Haniyeh said.

Regarding Gaza governance after war and who will govern the sector, Haniyeh reiterated that Gaza will be governed by Palestinians when the fighting ends.

He added: “We welcome any Arab or Islamic force if it helps our people to liberate, not providing  protection for the occupation.”

E.M