Hamas: Abbas Siding with Bush, Against us

Hamas Spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum criticized Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' speech to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Central Council on Sunday, calling the remarks a "new trick for the Palestinian people which contradicts his calls for nationalist dialogue, and [exacerbates] disagreement."

Barhoum accused Abbas of impeding efforts to turn a new page in intra-Palestinian relations and supporting US president George Bush's calls for escalated attacks on Hamas and its leaders.

As for the Abbas' accusations that Hamas refused to reopen Gaza Strip crossings, Barhoum said that was a lie aimed at defaming Hamas.

Barhoum also stated that the Palestinian caretaker government based in the West Bank is withholding the salaries of 40,000 civil servants in Gaza Strip due to their political affiliation. He denied President Abbas claims that 58% of the government's budget is spent on the Gaza Strip.