Hamas leader reports group will not give in to "blackmail"

A top Hamas official said the group will not be "blackmailed" by international threats to cut off aid to the Palestinians and said the militant group is searching for alternative sources of funding. Osama Hamdan, a member of the group's exiled leadership, said in a telephone interview that Hamas will not accept conditions from the West. "But at the same time, we are ready for dialogue".

He spoke a day after the international sponsors of the "road map" peace plan said aid could be in jeopardy unless Hamas renounces violence, recognizes Israel and accepts existing agreements between the Palestinians and Israel. Hamas is poised to lead the next Palestinian government after winning legislative elections last week, reports the AP.

D.M.