GOOD EFFORT BY MAHMOUD ABBAS

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas continues negotiating with Hamas to create a national unity government. The terrorist Hamas party emerged victorious in the last election, but their refusal to abandon violence and recognize the state of Israel resulted in the cutoff of aid to Palestine.

After months of economic sanctions, Hamas is feeling the strain in its ability to govern. That is one good reason the militant group is willing to reach a compromise with the Fatah party led by Abbas. However, they have stopped short of issuing a renunciation of violence and recognition of the right of Israel to exist.

Because Israel and the PLO exchanged letters of recognition back in 1993, we could surmise that Hamas recognizes Israel by accepting to abide by the agreements of previous Palestinian governments. That was Abbas assumption after a deal reached in early September. Hamas disagrees, stating they only agreed to accept those commitments they consider favorable to the Palestinian cause.

Evidently, Hamas is playing with words and not ready to conduct serious negotiations with Abbas. Their only aim in forming a coalition government is to end the boycott and begin receiving much needed aid. We should commend Mahmoud Abbas for his good efforts, and hope he does not cave in to Hamas’ irrational demands. Ill will towards Israel on the part of Hamas dooms the possibility of any fruitful negotiations that could lead to peace in the area.

The West should stand firm and not ease up on the boycott of aid to Palestine until Hamas renounces violence, agrees to recognize the state of Israel, and promises to abide by the agreements made by previous Palestinian governments. Hamas must meet those three conditions before the free world agrees to let the money roll in again. Even then, we must make sure Hamas remains true to their word. If they go back on their word and violate their own agreement, the United Nations should take whatever actions are necessary to remove Hamas from power. Peace in the Middle East is too important an issue, to leave it hostage in the hands of people who do not negotiate in good faith.

Recommended Reading: Ercian Testament - Part Three, chapter 27 “Proligion Revisited.”