The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Gaza City

Hamas on Friday welcomed a European Parliament resolution calling for an end to Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Palestinian Islamist group.

However, spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri was more circumspect with regard to the resolution's call for an end to rocket fire on Israel by Palestinian militants in Gaza.

"Hamas welcomes the appeal launched by the European Union for an end to the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip," Abu Zuhri said in a statement.

"Regarding the call for an end to rocket fire, we maintain that the problem lies in the (Israeli) occupation, aggression and siege of our people. Hamas is ready to examine any initiative that can put an end to Israeli aggression."

The European Union, in a bid to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the already impoverished coastal strip, has begun increasing pressure on Israel to end its nine-month old blockade.