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21 Article 6. Asharg Al-Awsat Hamas’ Gaza strongman criticizes Khalid Meshal 25 May 2011 -- Differences and clashes within the Hamas movement have come to light for the first time, with Hamas senior figures verbally sparring and exchanging criticism in the media. This is particularly surprising as Hamas is known for the discipline of its cadres and members. In an interview carried by the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper on Tuesday, Zahar criticized the statements made by Hamas leader Khalid Meshal on 4 May in Cairo during the signing of the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas. Zahar said that Khalid Meshal did not have any right to say that Hamas would give Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas another chance to try to negotiate a peace deal with Israel. In the interview, Zahar reportedly said "we didn't know and were not consulted about the position of Khalid Meshal, and this is not the correct position." He added "we haven't given any chance for negotiations on behalf of us or the Palestinian people. Our program is against negotiations in this way, because they are a waste of time." Zahar was also quoted as saying that the Hamas power structure should be re-assessed as "the leadership is here [in the Gaza Strip], and the part (of Hamas) that is abroad is just a part of that." Speaking to Asharg Al-Awsat, Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rashag, commented on the criticisms put forward by Dr. Zahar, stressed that these statements do not represent the position of the Hamas movement. Al-Rashag told Asharg Al-Awsat that "the statements made by HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_023537