Qurei was quoted as saying that the only alternative to Israel's refusal to establish an independent Palestinian state was the establishment of a binational state.

Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza, commented on the statement saying it only reflected the PA and Fatah leadership's collapse and its acceptance to coexist with occupation at the expense of Palestinian stable rights.

He renewed his Movement's rejection to recognize the Hebrew state even if the current generation was incapable of restoring lands. "This does not mean giving up lands and rights," he asserted.

The Hamas spokesman said that the Israeli occupation would be ultimately defeated and history proves that all previous occupations ended in failure regardless of the lapse of time.