Quotes from Hamas

From AFP, quoted in the Lebanon Daily Star.

Deposed Prime Minister Ismail Haniyya, the head of the movement's government in the Gaza Strip, insisted Monday that Hamas is nearing victory.

"We are approaching victory," he said in a televised address. "The blood which has flowed will not have flowed in vain as it will bring us victory, thanks be to God," Haniyya added on the 17th day of Israel's offensive. "I tell you that after 17 days of this foolish war, Gaza has not been broken and Gaza will not fall."

Haniyya also said that the "blood of children" who have been killed in the conflict would serve as a "curse which will come back to haunt [US President George W.] Bush."

From Reuters, who quote a statement released by Hamas:

GAZA (Reuters) - Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip declared victory to be "closer than ever" on Monday despite a 17-day Israeli offensive that has crippled the territory and killed more than 900 Palestinians.

In a statement distributed to news organisations, the Hamas cabinet said it continued to function as a government and condemned Israel for its "reoccupation" of Gaza, saying the invading forces would soon be repelled.

"We confirm to our people that victory is closer than ever," the statement read.

"We confirm out intention to continue to work to stop the terrorists' war against our people, end the siege completely and bring about a reopening of the crossings."

Haniyah, yesterday, quoted in the Jerusalem Post:

"We will deal positively with any initiative aimed at ending the offensive," he said.

However, Haniyeh said that Hamas would also continue to fight against the "occupation forces" of Israel.

"We are confident that eventually we would achieve victory and crush the aggression," he said. "The intifada must continue because the occupation is continuing to kill."

Haniyeh claimed that at least half of the Palestinians killed in the IDF operation were women and children. "Victory comes to those who believe in Allah and carry out his commandments," he added, citing several versus from the Koran.

"We have confidence in Allah because He's on our side. We are nearing victory over the Zionist war machine. After 17 days of fighting, I can say that the Gaza Strip and faith will prevail. With Allah's help, the Palestinian people will prevail over the infidels."

Haniyeh's speech, which ended with a prayer, was seen by some Palestinians as an admission of defeat. A Fatah official in Ramallah said the speech reflected Hamas's growing predicament.

"This speech shows that Hamas has been defeated," he said. "Haniyeh has actually raised the white flag."

The official pointed out that the speech was also an indication of the growing rift between the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip and the one in Damascus and Beirut.

"The Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip are desperate for a cease-fire," he said. "After more than two weeks of fighting, they are tired and frustrated."

I'm not sure what to make of these statements, all made in the past day or two. Does anyone have insights on what the Hamas strategy actually is right now? I'm especially interested in the relationship between Hamas political strategy and the pro-Palestinian protests taking place around the world. If the protesters call for "ceasefire now" does that mean that are opposed to Hamas, which until now has rejected a ceasefire? Conversely, if Palestinian sympathizers express a desire for the defeat of Israel, does that mean that are opposed to a Hamas willingness to accept (and abide by) a ceasesfire?