Hamas Chief Threatens Palestinian State Or Third ‘Intifada’

Hamas leader-in-exile Khalid Mash’al has threatened a "third Intifada" if there is no Palestinian state in place within six months. Speaking to reporters in Cairo on Saturday, Mash’al l said the national aspirations of the Palestinians are "the end of the occupation, the creation of a Palestinian state within 1967 borders without settlements, big or small, real sovereignty over and under the territory." He warned the international community that, "We will not be patient for longer than we have been. If our demands are not met, the Palestinian people will close all political files and launch a third intifada. The conflict will be open and the victory in this conflict will be ours." Mash’al‘s comments were welcomed by Arab League chief Amr Moussa. In a statement, Moussa said the Hamas leader’s threat was "in line with the basics of the Arab peace initiative."