"I want to say here in Moscow that if Israel declares readiness and shows commitment to withdraw from the lands occupied in 1968, ensure the return of refugees, dismantle [Jewish] settlements, demolish the demarcation wall, and release prisoners, our movement will make steps toward peace," said Meshaal, who is leading a Hamas delegation on a visit to Russia.
"We want peace in the region, but a peace based on justice and the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people," he said. "This peace should be founded on the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territories and the end of the occupation."
He rounded on Israel for the continuing conflict. "The problem was never in Palestine, it was always in Israel," he said, adding that Israel had always evaded its obligations.
