MJ Martin (3 Feb 2005)
"Hamas, Hizbollah Agree on War Against Israel"


HAMAS, HIZBULLAH AGREE ON WAR AGAINST ISRAEL

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Hamas and Hizbullah have agreed to continue the war against Israel.

Leaders from the two groups met in Beirut and discussed strategy amid efforts to arrange a Palestinian Authority ceasefire with Israel. The Islamic insurgency organizations rejected the ceasefire and said they would maintain the war against the Jewish state.

"They agreed that the option of resistance and steadfastness was the only choice to confront the current situation," Hizbullah said in a statement after the meeting.

The statement said the Jan. 30 meeting comprised of Hizbullah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Masha'al. Both groups have received significant support from Iran.