Hamas leader Meshaal demands end to occupation

WASHINGTON (AP) — The leader of Hamas is demanding anew that Israel end its occupation of Palestinian land.

Khaled Meshaal tells CBS News in an interview broadcast Monday that he believes the world hasn't taken an even-handed view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He says, quote, "Unfortunately the world doesn't blame the Israelis."

And Meshaal also says Palestinians have to frequently hear pleas for the security of the Jewish state, asking "why don't you give it to Palestinians?"

Asked if Hamas believes there's only a military solution, Meshaal says only, "As a Palestinian, I want to be liberalized. I want to live without occupation."

He asks interviewer Charlie Rose, quote, "Did you not kick the British out?" during the American Revolution. The Hamas leader calls occupation "the worst thing you can imagine."
