Zahar: Tunnels and Israeli blockade are separate

Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar has said that lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza has nothing to do with the issue of tunnels between southern Gaza Strip and Egypt. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Zahar said Egyptian authorities have the right to close tunnels connecting to Gaza, if they feel there is a security issue. However, he said that Egypt unlikely to close all routes and "besiege Gaza," explaining that some of the tunnels have nothing to do with Hamas. "We must all know that Hamas has nothing to do with tunnels, it is an issue between citizens of Gaza Strip and their counterparts from the Egyptian side. Hamas only approved them because they were the only outlet to break the Israeli blockade," Zahar said. "When Egypt opens its crossings and tells Israel to lift the siege on Gaza, it would be a victory for the steadfastness of Hamas and the Palestinian people," he added. Zahar did not rule out the possibility of a third Intifada in the occupied territories, saying: "Without an uprising in the occupied West, settlements will continue and Jerusalem will be out of our hands." He revealed that Israeli is talking about the eruption of this Intifada. "Studying the mentality of Israel proves that it has war on its mind, and there is a fear or an attempt to reassure the settlers not to flee the area." Zahar indicated that the recent war in Gaza showed Israel that if Palestinians are attacked, they will respond very strongly. Speaking about US President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to the region, Zahar said the trip does not have any effect or influence on Hamas, because "America cannot abandon Israel due to electoral interests."