February 10, 2008	Sunday	Safar 02, 1429

AMMAN, Feb 9: Jordan said on Saturday accused Hamas of confiscating a convoy of humanitarian aid sent to people living under an Israeli blockade in the Gaza Strip.

Minister of State for Infor-mation Affairs Nasser Joudeh told the state news agency Petra that Hamas members on Thursday seized 16 trucks carrying emergency supplies into Gaza and diverted the cargo to a warehouse run by the Islamist group.

Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip since June when it routed secular Fatah forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has revived peace talks with Israel.

“We are surprised it should be confiscated and distributed in a manner based on political considerations...this only penalises those who really deserve this aid,” Joudeh said.—Reuters