Below the radar, something is happening on the Israel-Palestine front post-Annapolis. Earlier this week in Europe, Tony Blair succeeded in getting more than $7 billion in (promised) aid for the Palestinians, which will be channeled–if it comes through, and that’s always a big if—through Abbas’s Fatah.
I’m guessing that Hamas wants in. Duh.
Big cheese Ismail Haniyeh, the deposed Palestinian prime minister, is reportedly looking for a truce with Israel, the NYT reports.
A scan of Google News, which lists 1,495 news articles related to this story, indicates the response to Hamas’s offer of a truce:
Peres: Haniyeh trying to divert attention from Hamas crimes
Jerusalem Post, Israel -Dec 19, 2007
COM STAFF AND ELI LESHEM Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh’s announcement that his group is willing to hold cease-fire negotiations with Israel is a …
Hamas leader’s truce offer dismissedSydney Morning Herald
Ministers split on ‘hudna’ offerJerusalem Post
Hamas leader says he’s open to talksCNN
International Herald Tribune -The Associated Press
all 1,495 news articles » Peres: There’s ‘no need’ for negotiations with Haniyeh
Jerusalem Post, Israel -Dec 19, 2007
I wonder if these headlines from just a few days ago have anything to do with Israel’s coolness toward Hamas’s offer:
The Associated PressHamas Supporters Rally to Show Strength
The Associated Press -Dec 15, 2007
Leader Ismail Haniyeh vowed in speeches on the 20th anniversary of the movement’s founding that Hamas will not compromise its hardline views despite growing …Hamas warns of new intifada
Gulf Daily News, Bahrain -Dec 15, 2007
Hamas leader in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh said the movement was growing more popular because of its stance against the US and Israel. “Today is the day of Jihad, …Hamas: We’ll never recognize Israel
Jerusalem Post, Israel -Dec 16, 2007
Haniyeh waves a Palestinian flag in front of Hamas supporters during the rally in Gaza City. Photo: AP Tens of thousands of Palestinians participated in a …
On 20th anniversary, Hamas vows never to recognize Israel
Ha’aretz, Israel -
Dec 15, 2007
In a fiery speech, Haniyeh cited the achievements of Hamas and “the resistance” throughout the region. He cited Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon in …
Then there was this a few weeks ago:
Haniyeh: Annapolis conference is stillborn
Jerusalem Post, Israel -Nov 22, 2007
By AP Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Thursday called the upcoming US-hosted conference on the Middle East “stillborn,” and predicted it would not bring any …Haniyeh: Annapolis deal won’t be binding
Jerusalem Post, Israel -Nov 26, 2007
Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh: “The people believe that this conference is fruitless.” “Any settlement that does not include the return of the …
There’s more about the Israelis vs. Gaza at Contentions, here and here.
0 comments ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment