Israel Matzav

Hamas rejects Egyptian-mediated 'truce' with Israel

Hamas has rejected an Egyptian mediated 'truce' with Israel because it is not willing to sign an agreement with the 'Zionist entity' that is subject to a referendum of the 'Palestinian people.'

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu-Zuhri on Sunday rejected an Egyptian plan for a cease-fire agreement with Israel, Al Jazeera reported.

On Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit unveiled an Egyptian plan to restore calm in the region. The plan seeks to establish a ceasefire under which the firing of rockets in Gaza Strip has to stop while Israel also stops targeting Palestinians.

Other provisions include exchanging 400 Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails for captive Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped by Hamas in 2006.

Egypt's plan also includes the opening of Gaza's border crossings and to put a peace agreement, if reached this year, to a Palestinian public vote.

"The idea of a referendum on any agreement signed with the occupying [Israeli authorities] is rejected by the Hamas movement," Sami Abu Zuhri was quoted by the Qatar-based television network as saying.

"No poll on the basic rights [of Palestinian people]. Is it possible for us to carry out a poll on al-Quds [Jerusalem] if such an agreement affects our rights in al-Quds?" he asked.

Abu Zuhri also rejected as "unacceptable" remarks by Aboul Gheit, who reportedly said Hamas' participation in a Palestinian national unity government with rival faction Fatah could thwart efforts to reach a peace settlement with Israel.

I guess we can't let the 'Palestinian people' decide something as important as the 'rights' of the 'Palestinian people,' can we?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:31 PM