Hamas's Haniyeh vows 'resistance' despite Gaza seige

GAZA, June 24 (Reuters) Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, prime minister of the Palestinian government dismissed by President Mahmoud Abbas, brushed aside Israel's decision to free funds to Abbas as ''bribery'' and said ''resistance'' was the only way forward.

''America will not give us anything. The occupation (Israel) will not give us anything. Our rights and lands will only return to us by steadfastness and resistance,'' Haniyeh said in his first major speech since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip earlier this month.

Reuters JT DB2134