GAZA, Jan. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) reiterated its position against Israel on Saturday,rejecting any contact with the Jewish state.

    Mahmoud Zahar, a prominent leader and candidate for the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections set on Jan. 25, renewed his movement's rejection to hold any economic cooperation,security coordination or any kind of contact with Israel.

    "In our point of view, this occupation is an enemy and not a neighbor, or a friend or a partner," Zahar said in a statement,ruling out the possibility to negotiate with Israel.

    "We will not negotiate, because there is an experience in front of us. Some sides negotiated (with Israel) during the last 10 years and they brought just mirage," said the Hamas leader.

    Zahar asserted that Hamas will never change its position and will let the whole world hear their position in the elections.Meanwhile, he stressed that the Islamic movement clings to the right to return for Palestinian refugees.

    He denied some reports saying that Hamas had left from its idea of resistance, noting that Hamas is strengthening the concept of resistance by attaining more posts in education, healthcare,environment and industry.

    Hamas, a major radical militant group fighting against Israeli occupation, was the driving force behind the past five years of Palestinian intifada (uprising).

    Posing as a severe challenger for the ruling Fatah movement led by President Mahmoud Abbas in the Jan. 25 elections, Hamas is ready to do well, with its surging popularity among grassroots Palestinians. Enditem