Meshal's comments caused surprise among Hamas officials in Gaza, although they were quick to point out there was little substantial divergence from other Hamas statements.
Ahmed Yusuf, an adviser to Haniya, said that Hamas recognized Israel's de facto existence but was not going to recognize it officially.
"Israel is there, it is part of the United Nations and we do not deny its existence. But we still have rights and land there which have been usurped and until these matters are dealt with we will withhold our recognition," he said.
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