Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, or Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, on Wednesday called on the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) states to make "brave" decision to end the Israeli blockade on the coastal Strip.

Hamas' statement came as the same day when 15th summit of NAM opened in Egypt with more than 50 head of states to discuss global financial crisis and regional issues.

"We are looking for brave actions and decision to end Gaza blockade and define the mechanisms of doing that rather than just issuing statements and expressions," a statement by Hamas administration said.

Israel has kept commercial crossing points to Gaza closed for more than two years since Hamas movement seized power in the impoverished enclave.

Meanwhile, Hamas said deals inked recently between the West Bank-based Palestinian government and the World Bank to rebuild Gaza "will not help."

"The money will go to dishonored hands and will not reach Gaza," the statement said, referring to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), dominated by Hamas' bitter rival of Fatah movement.

On December 27, 2008, Israel launched a three-week fierce military offensive on Gaza, killing more than 1,400 Palestinians and destroying thousands of houses and infrastructure facilities.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2009)