Hamas backs Israel-Lebanon maritime border deal

Lebanese protesters take part in a demonstration in the border town of Naqoura, on June 11, 2022, days after Israel moved a gas production vessel into the offshore Karish field, a part of which is claimed by Lebanon. (Mahmoud Zayyat/ AFP)
Lebanese protesters take part in a demonstration in the border town of Naqoura, on June 11, 2022, days after Israel moved a gas production vessel into the offshore Karish field, a part of which is claimed by Lebanon. (Mahmoud Zayyat/ AFP)

A senior member of the Hamas terror group speaks in support of the Israel-Lebanon maritime deal set to be signed tomorrow.

“Lebanon, at the end of this deal, will get its economic rights, and the Lebanese resistance will succeed in imposing its conditions on Israel. It’s Lebanon’s right to possess the entirety of its rights,” Suhail al-Hindi, a prominent member of the Hamas Politburo, says in an interview.

The deal, which will delineate the maritime border, allows cash-strapped Lebanon to explore for gas in the Qana field but gives Israel a portion of the proceeds.

Israel and Lebanon are technically still at war and the deal does not touch on the land border. However, it is seen as Lebanon, including the powerful Hezbollah terror group, tacitly recognizing Israel.

“The Lebanese resistance is speaking from the position of what’s good for the Lebanese people and the preservation of their rights,” Hindi adds.

He also says he hopes it could eventually lead to Hamas tapping the gas fields of Gaza.

“That gas belongs to the Palestinian people. It is not right for Israel to possess it. We’re keeping our eyes on the riches of Palestine and will not let Israel steal them.”

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