(1) In our current story, we cite an interview with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the Lebanese paper Al Akhbar. He made some interesting comments revealing Hamas's goal re this current escalation. Here's the quotes w/ some analysis. wsj.com/articles/after… (2) Hamas looking for intl legitimacy: "[Hamas's] military capabilities are a turning point in the battle for liberation..and the West must acknowledge our identity as a liberation resistance movement and cease branding us terrorists."

(1) While the @nytimes report about the supposed deal offered by Saudi Crown Prince to Palestinian leader Abbas might be true, there are a few holes which make me question its precision. (2) Hamas West Bank official Hassan Yousef should not be considered a valid source for what's happening between Abbas's inner circle and Saudi Arabia. It's like asking Elizabeth Warren about Trump's inner circle.