AJC Calls Hamas-Fatah Deal Major Setback for Peace Prospects

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May 04, 2011, 12:25 ET

NEW YORK, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC called the Hamas-Fatah agreement signed today in Cairo a major setback for peace prospects in the region.

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The so-called unity accord, signed by Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, calls for new Palestinian elections, setting the stage for a possible Hamas-Fatah government.

"Let's be clear," said AJC Executive Director David Harris, "Hamas has not changed one iota since its founding as a terrorist entity bent on Israel's destruction and the imposition of Sharia law on Palestinian society. The Hamas Charter spells it all out in chilling detail. And so does the reaction to the death of terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden. While the Palestinian Authority welcomed the news, Hamas leaders called bin Laden 'an Arab holy warrior' and condemned the U.S. action."

Five years ago, after Palestinian legislative elections, Hamas had a chance to reinvent itself and join with Fatah in the peace process. The price of admission, set by the Quartet, and endorsed by President Abbas, was to recognize Israel, accept existing Palestinian-Israeli agreements, and forswear violence.

Hamas, true to its beliefs, not only rejected those three stipulations, but, in 2007, seized control of Gaza in a violent coup, driving the Palestinian Authority out of the area.

"Tellingly, President Abbas did not condition this apparent reunion with Hamas on a commitment to peace and non-violence," said Harris, noting that Hamas has once again reaffirmed publicly its refusal to recognize Israel.

"At this stage, it's hard to tell if any Hamas-Fatah accord can hold," added Harris, "but it does raise profound questions about the future direction of Palestinian politics and attitudes toward any peace process with Israel. The agreement also poses major challenges for the United States and European Union, which have rightly rejected any dealings whatsoever with Hamas, a policy that must continue in light of the terrorist group's stance."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee