Hamas rejects international observers in Gaza

Palestinian terror groups hosted in Syria, including Hamas, rejected deploying international observers or troops in Gaza on Saturday. A statement issued by the groups after a meeting attended by Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal also rejected any security arrangement that "infringes on the right of resistance against Israeli occupation." The statement reiterated Hamas's demands including an immediate halt to Israeli attacks, full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, lifting the siege and opening all border crossings. It said these demands serve as the "foundation for any initiatives or suggestions for a solution." The statement came hours after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas, which controls Gaza, to reach an agreement to end the fighting.