Abdulmalik Dehamshe
Photo: Ata Awisat
Arab MK: Only Hamas can make peace
Arab MK says just as Sharon was only one capable of making peace with Palestinians, Hamas only group able to make peace with Israel. Organization is Israel's partner for peace, he states. Meanwhile Labor Chairman Peretz claims Israel will not negotiate with Hamas
Chairman of the United Arab List, Knesset Member Abdulmalik Dehamshe said Thursday in wake of Hamas' overwhelming victory in the Palestinian Authority elections that "just as Sharon was the only one capable of making peace with the Palestinians, only Hamas can make peace with Israel."
Dehamshe stressed Israelis must cease declaring there is no partner for peace on the Palestinian side.
Another Arab MK, Mohammad Barakeh (Hadash Ta'al) said the results of the vote were no surprise. "The Israeli government reaps what it sowed. It sowed despair and hopelessness in the heart of the Palestinian people, and as a result the Fatah leadership was unable to show achievements," he said.
"However," Barakeh stated, "Hamas also knows talks with Israel are essential."
Taleb el-Sana, of the United Arab List, declared following the publication of the elections' outcome that "the Palestinian people have won in democratic elections, regardless of the results."
Referring to Hamas' impressive accomplishment, el-Sana said that "the Palestinian people have spoken, and their decision must be honored. Hamas' victory is a first sign of the new trend in the Muslim world, and it presents a cultural and democratic challenge to the West."
'Hamas no partner'
Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is set to convene an emergency meeting Thursday evening, to discuss the recent development in the PA. The Labor party, as well as Meretz-Yahad, have also held security debates to discuss Hamas' win.
During Labor's meeting, party Chairman Amir Peretz said Israel has now entered a state of uncertainty, but added "we have no intention of allowing negotiations with an organization that declares it wants to destroy Israel. We will not hold talks with a terror group."
"Hamas can't be a partner," Peretz declared.
The humanitarian organization B’Tselem has called on Hamas Thursday to denounce its terrorist policy and avoid attacks on civilians, in Israel and the occupied territories.
"Hamas' new status reinforces the organization's duty to respect international law, prohibiting intentional strikes against civilians which qualify as war crimes," B’Tselem said in a statement.
