GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- A spokesman for Gaza's Hamas rulers says the militant group won't strike Israel if there is a war between Iran and the Jewish state.
Fawzi Barhoum says Hamas' weapons are "humble" and meant for defending Palestinians. Speaking Wednesday to The Associated Press, he said Hamas does not have the ability to be "part of any regional war."
Israel has been signaling it might attack Iran to stop Tehran's nuclear program.
Gaza militants have fired thousands of rockets into Israel over the years.
Barhoum's comments may lessen Israeli concerns that if war erupts, the Iran-allied Hamas would fire rockets at Israel. Hamas has sought to distance itself from Iran recently.
Even if Hamas stayed out of the fighting, the more powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon could attack Israel alongside Iran.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
JERUSALEM (AP) - A top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautiously welcomed an upcoming round of talks between six world powers and Iran over its suspect nuclear program.
Netanyahu's security adviser Yaakov Amidror said Wednesday that Israel is "very happy" to hear of the negotiations. But he said "without a real military alternative," Iran is unlikely to give up its nuclear program.
Israel believes Iran is trying to produce a nuclear weapon and has said military action should be considered to stop the Iranians.
President Barack Obama told the visiting Netanyahu this week that diplomacy must be given more time.
Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
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