AP: Hamas opens makeshift offices, Gaza talks to begin

Hamas opens makeshift offices, Gaza talks to begin

By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU, Associated Press Writer – Sun Jan 25, 7:15 am ET

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Hamas' government in Gaza began its first week back in business Sunday, operating from makeshift offices because most administrative buildings were bombed, as the Palestinian militant group prepared for new talks with Egypt on consolidating the weeklong cease-fire with Israel.

The group said it would be distributing $52 million in aid to people affected by Israel's 3-week offensive against Hamas, which devastated Gaza. The cash compensations for lost relatives or damaged homes would come from its own funds, Hamas said, until relief pledged by international donors can come in. Hamas receives millions in funding from Iran and donations from supporters around the world, believed to be smuggled into the blockaded territory through tunnels.

Some Hamas aid has already been passed out in a few cases in recent days, but Hamas said its formal distribution was beginning Sunday.

Top Hamas leaders remained in hiding, apparently still fearing an Israeli strike despite the cease-fire. But lower-level Hamas officials could be seen back to work on Sunday, sometimes operating outside from a table set next to the rubble of their destroyed offices. Early in the morning, the Hamas national security chief, Gen. Hussein Abu Athra, was signing orders on the hood of his car next to the pummeled historic building that had served as security headquarters.

A Hamas delegation was due to start talks with Egyptian officials on Sunday on means to reopen the border, largely closed since the group violently took over Gaza in June 2007. The issue is key to preserving the cease-fire, and Israel, the United States and Egypt are trying to work out security arrangements to ensure Hamas does not smuggle weapons into the strip before any opening.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said discussions would address a detailed cease-fire agreement. "We are not going to accept less than opening the borders ... and lifting the sanctions," Barhoum told AP on Sunday.

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Since George Mitchell is going to be in the neighborhood later this week maybe he should stop by & say hello.