"The statements of Tayeb Abdel Rahim are full of lies and there is nothing in his speech worthy of comment," the movement's Gaza spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, told reporters.

Abdel Rahim told Palestinian television Saturday night that the Palestinian leadership had proof of contacts between Hamas and Israel Defence Ministry officials.

Israeli officials have flatly denied the claim of contacts, which surfaced last week.

Abdel Rahim had claimed Hamas hoped to "reinforce its coup in Gaza by securing Israel's safety in exchange for food."

DPA

Güncelleme Tarihi: 28 Ekim 2007, 13:12