Israel Matzav

Hamas to back 'Palestinian' statehood bid

In a somewhat surprising move, Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal has decided to back the 'Palestinian Authority's bid to have the United Nations General Assembly endorse their reichlet. 

The decision by Hamas was unexpected. It does not recognize Israel's right to exist and has dismissed previous attempts by Abbas to promote the Palestinian cause on the diplomatic stage.

...

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the group backed any political gain Abbas could achieve at the United Nations "without causing any harm to the national Palestinian rights".

Hamas political chief Khaled Mashaal, who lives in exile, told Abbas by telephone of his movement's change of heart, Hamas said in a statement.

...

In his conversation with Abbas, Mashaal stressed the need for reconciliation between the two factions, especially in the wake of the Israeli offensive, which was ended thanks to a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt.

"This signals that Hamas is showing greater flexibility towards reconciliation than any time before," said Gaza political analyst Hani Habib.

Speaking to hundreds of supporters in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Sunday, Abbas vowed he would speed up unity efforts after he returns from the UN vote.

 What could go wrong?

Labels: Hamas-Fatah reconciliation, Palestinian state RIGHT NOW syndrome, United Nations General Assembly

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:55 PM