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Hamas weighing 'options'

Gaza City June 24. A top leader of the Islamic hardline Hamas said today his group would give an answer to the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mahmud Abbas' proposal for ceasefire with Israel ``when the time is appropriate''.

``Hamas will evaluate its position (on the truce) when the time is appropriate and it cannot do so as (Israel) raids Hebron and this criminal enemy perpetrates assassinations,'' Abdul Aziz al-Rantissi told AFP.

``Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and (the U.S. President George W.) Bush must understand that, as well as those who dream that Hamas will adopt a new stance with its neck under the sword,'' he also said in veiled reference to Mr. Abbas.

Mr. Abbas has been spearheading negotiations aimed to convince radical militant groups to stop anti-Israeli attacks, in order to assist an international peace plan known as the roadmap, since he first took office in last April.

But the Hamas, which has carried out the bulk of attacks since the Intifada began in September 2000, has consistently said it would not consider a truce as long as Israel continues to target its footsoldiers and military chiefs.

Mr. Rantissi said an army sweep earlier today in the southern West Bank city of Hebron ``is indicative of the state of confusion, terrorism and the deadlock in which the Zionists live''. — AFP

Riyadh denies charge

AP reports from Jeddah:

Saudi Arabia does not fund the Palestinian militant group Hamas and has banned all local charity organisations from sending money overseas, a Saudi official said on Tuesday.

``Saudi Arabia does not give any money to any groups. We donate money to the Palestinian Authority,'' said the Foreign Ministry official,

Last week the kingdom banned all private relief and charity organisations from sending money overseas make sure the money is not going toward terrorist groups.

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