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Hamas leader speaks out after controversy

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Hamas official Ahmad Yousef discusses why the movement issued a statement preventing the press from dealing with him as its spokesperson.
RAFAH, GAZA STRIP - AUGUST 16:  Ahmed Youssef, an adviser to Ismail Haniya of Hamas, the dismissed Palestinian prime minister speaks as he sits at his home August 16, 2007 in Rafah, southern of the Gaza Strip. Today, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued an executive decree convicting any one who joins the administrative forces or militia of the rival Hamas movement.  (Photo by Abid Katib/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ahmed Youssef
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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — On Sept. 17, Hamas issued a press release denouncing media outlets for attributing prominent member Ahmed Yousef’s positions to the movement. It confirmed that Yousef  his personal views and his positions do not represent Hamas in any way.

Hamas’ official statement is the first to be issued against a leading official of the movement. It came following Yousef's article and press statements in which he spoke of Hamas’ internal elections and their timing, and revealed that Hamas had prepared a new political document that includes its positions on all aspects of the Palestinian cause, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ties with Arab, Islamic and foreign countries.

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