Hamas has reiterated the party's categorical rejection of peace negotiations with Israel and says any calls from Arab states to push them forward amount to a "political sin."
Speaking ahead of a planned meeting between President Mahmoud Abbas and the Arab Peace Initiative follow-up committee, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters Thursday that Hamas no longer recognizes Abbas as president.
Abbas is expected to request backing for his decision to reject American pressure to transition into direct peace talks following weeks of so-called proximity talks mediated by US envoy George Mitchell.
Comments from Egyptian officials earlier Thursday, however, indicated that Abbas had received some guarantees from the Obama administration over the fate of settlements and a framework for negotiations, indicating a possible shift in expectations.
But Hamas is not convinced, Abu Zuhri said, and Arab states should stand by Palestinians and reject negotiations.
The official called on Abbas to condemn Israel's razing of the Bedouin village of Al-Araqib, located inside Israel some 30 kilometers from the northern Gaza Strip and 10 kilometers southwest of Hebron.
"The demolition in the Negev village mirrors the attacks on the Old City of Jerusalem," Abu Zuhri said adding that an "Arab reaction" was necessary in the face of the destruction.