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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Peres: We may talk to Hamas if rocket fire is halted |
| 2007-12-24 |
| The time is not right for Israel to agree to a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Israeli officials said Saturday amid reports that senior Hamas leadership was interests in an immediate hudna. President Shimon Peres joined Security Cabinet Ministers Ze'ev Boim (Kadima) and Binyamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor) in demanding that Hamas halt all rocket attacks and provide real intelligence on kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit, before Israel accepts Hamas's offer. Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Hamas had proposed a temporary cease-fire with Israel. The proposal was reportedly relayed through Egyptian mediators and has not been confirmed by any Hamas officials. "Once the incessant rocket attacks stop, we might be inclined to negotiate with [Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh]," said Peres. "Negotiations with Hamas will only take place once they meet the three conditions set by the Quartet [UN, Britain, Russia and the US]: That is cessation of Kassam fire, official recognition of Israel's right to exist, and abiding by existing peace accords." |
| Posted by:Fred |