Hamas rejects Bahrain conference that 'normalises' Israel ties Hamas leader Ismail Haniya says his Palestinian movement rejects next week's US-sponsored Middle East economic conference in Bahrain as it would amount to Arab "normalisation" of ties with Israel. In a rare briefing with international journalists, Haniya also accused Israel of failing to abide by agreements meant to ensure calm in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES