A senior Islamic Hamas movement leader announced on Thursday that the upcoming Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank is "a Palestinian national achievement."

Isma'eel Haneya told reporters that the withdrawal from Gaza and northern West Bank came as a result of "the armed resistance," adding that "it is the first step towards the liberation of the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories."

Israel is due on August 17 to start implementing a unilateral disengagement from the Palestinians, who are concerned that Israel would hold on the rest of the occupied West Bank.

"This coming withdrawal would never be the first and the last, it came under the pressure of attacks, therefore we would never accept any coordination that would produce harmful security and political commitment," said Haneya.

Haneya reiterated his movement's call to form a national committee but refused to join a national unity government as required by the Palestinian Authority to deal with Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

He also pledged Hamas commitment to preserve ceasefire with Israel.

"Until now there is no changes in Hamas position concerning Cairo agreement which included accepting a one-year calm," said Haneya.

Two weeks ago, three Palestinians were killed and about 50 were injured in clashes between Hamas militants and Palestinian security forces and Fatah ruling movement's militants in Gaza when Hamas was prevented from firing rockets at Israeli targets.

"We are not planning for internal conflicts, but the Palestinian Authority would be held responsible for the consequences," said Haneya.

Source: Xinhua