Zahhar: Calm is a unanimous Palestinian demand

RAFAH, (PIC)-- Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, one of the prominent Hamas leaders, on Saturday said that calm with the "Zionist occupation" is a unanimously approved Palestinian demand to protect the accomplishments of the Palestinian people. Zahhar told reporters at Rafah crossing before departure for Egypt at the head of a Hamas delegation that his team members would meet with Hamas leaders from Damascus to crystallize a final position regarding calm. The delegation carries the position of all Palestinian factions, he said, adding that aggression must stop and siege lifted in order to allow for the reconstruction of destroyed homes and infrastructure. Zahhar would not comment on news reports that a prisoners' swap agreement between Hamas and Israel with Turkish mediation was about to be concluded. The Hamas leader, in his first appearance after the war on Gaza, said commenting on news that he was injured and carried to Egyptian hospitals for treatment during the war "My assassination is an Israeli wish". The Hamas delegation also included Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil, Nizar Awadallah and Taher Al-Nunu.