Mashaal appeals to Arab brothers

The Head of Hamas political bureau, Khaled Mashaal called on the Arab leaders and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, on Sunday to forget differences and help the beleaguered Gazans.

"All Arab leaders, exercise real pressure to stop this Zionist crime ... take up your role and responsibility," he told al-Jazeera satellite TV in a live interview from Syria.

"We are not asking you to wage a military war against Israel... but just stand with us in pride and honor."

Mashaal said he was in contact Sunday with some Arab countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia to see if they would pressure the Zionist regime.

He also said he asked Egypt if it would provide fuel to the Gaza plant.

"Oh Arab leaders, every minute in which a Palestinian dies in Gaza, you are responsible for his blood and soul before God," Mashaal said.

Gaza City plunged into darkness after nightfall Sunday when Hamas officials shut down the territory's only electricity plant, following a cutoff of fuel from the occupied Palestine.

Health officials and human rights groups warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a result of the Zionist regime's blockade.

Mashaal also asked Abbas, who heads Fatah party that controls the West Bank, to work with him and Hamas on finding a solution to solving the crisis that has torn the Palestinians apart.

"God is not going to forgive you nor Hamas if we don't meet on the grounds of brotherhood and national interest, sit at a table without conditions, reach an agreement on everything among Palestinian (factions) ... this is a sincere call, without any politics," Mashaal said.