Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas representatives, headed by Ismail Haniyeh, met in Gaza on Saturday for the first time since the Palestinian elections and decided to convene the new parliament on February 16.
The meeting was defined by both sides as “very positive,” but sources said Abbas did not officially task Hamas with forming the new Palestinian government.
Sources saud that during the meeting Abbas demanded that Hamas recognize the agreements reached with Israel, including recognition of its right to exist.
Haniyeh, for his part, said Hamas would not recognize Israel, adding that should Israel prevent the Palestinian parliament from convening, the meetings will be held via satellite “conference calls.”
Haniyeh (left) with Abbas during Gaza meeting (Photo: Reuters)
Prior to the meeting Abbas said that the new Palestinian government must act in accordance with the PA’s policy of the past few years.
Hamas members responded by saying that sources in the PA and the international community must stop attempting to extort Hamas and the Palestinians. Members also warned of attempts to transfer government responsibilities regarding foreign affairs, security and the economy to Abbas or the PLO.
Top Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar said in an interview with the Washington Post that “the western countries can take their aid and go to hell,” adding that Hamas will be capable of running the PA without financial assistance form the EU or the U.S.
Al-Zahar said a Hamas-led PA would be willing to hold low-level technical talks wit6h Israel.
“Israel is an illegal entity, and no amount of pressure can force us to recognize its right to exist.” he said, claiming that the relations between Fatah and Israel were “corrupt.”
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