This isn't my position, this is their position.
You are starting to sound like a peacenick from the upper west side, or hollywood ca.
Palestinian recognition of Israel a mistake, Hamas says
By Reuters
CAIRO - Palestinian recognition of Israel was a mistake that needs correction, a senior Hamas leader said yesterday, as the organization faces international pressure to recognize the Jewish state.
The militant Islamist group would not consider recognizing the State of Israel while the status of the country's borders remained unclear and millions of Palestinian refugees across the Arab world were not unable to return home, said Moussa Abu Marzouk, Hamas' deputy political leader.
"We believe that there was a mistake that happened in the past and this (recognition of Israel) must be corrected," he said.
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The late Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat recognized Israel on behalf of the Palestinian people as part of the 1993 Oslo Accords.
Israeli officials - and the UN Security Council - have said Hamas, which is trying to form a new Palestinian government following its recent election win, has to unequivocally recognize Israel's right to exist and abandon terrorism.
The United States and European Union have said that a Hamas-led PA would risk losing crucial aid unless the organization disarmed and recognized Israel.
Hamas officials have said they will not compromise their principles for funding, saying alternative monies could come from Arab and Islamic countries.
Marzouk said Israel had continued building settlements and occupying Palestinian territory despite official Palestinian recognition.
Settlement status-still open
Israel says the status of settlements will be decided in peace talks with the Palestinians and that it undertakes military operations in Palestinian areas to protect the security of its citizens.
"Where are the borders of the Israel we are supposed to recognize?" said Marzouk. "Are the settlements included in the borders? Is the return of the refugees acceptable to Israel? Until these questions are answered, it is not possible to propose it (recognition)."
Hamas delegates, meanwhile, are travelling from Gaza to Cairo to meet the militant group's exiled leadership.
The talks will focus on the make-up of a new government after Hamas' shock victory in last week's election.
A Hamas delegation will then tour Arab capitals to seek financial support for their administration.
Hamas officials and Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to convene parliament on 16 February, starting the process of forming a new government. |
