Giving the lie to the prisoner’s document claims

If you read the Arab press rather than the Guardian, you’ll find a much more negative view cast on the prisoners’ document from a Hamas spokesliar.

Cairo, Asharq al-Awsat- The Palestinian Minister of Information Youssef Rizka warned of the dangers of a referendum to recognize Israel set for 26 July and said it will sow discord in the Palestinian arena. He predicted the government will be dissolved and a state of emergency declared, should the referendum take place. He explained that the Hamas government rejected the referendum and, consequently, would not be allowed to oversee it. Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority could then dissolve the government on the pretext it is not cooperating with his presidency. The issue would then be raised in parliament, where Hamas, who holds the majority will reject it and consider the referendum unconstitutional. This will usher in a constitutional crisis that could paralyze the Occupied Territories , in addition to the US-Israeli ongoing blockade.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq al Awsat on a visit to Cairo earlier this week, Rizka said the Palestinian prisoners’ document was no more than an excuse and a justification to dissolve the government. He also noted that members of the former cabinet wanted to hold early elections. Azzam al Ahmad, head of Fatah’s parliamentary bloc, Yasser Abd Rabo, member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s executive committee and al Tayyib Abdul Rahim, the president’s advisor, had all called for early elections.

According to Rizka, the current Hamas government has clarified its position; it believes the only way to achieve unity amongst Palestinians is to hold a dialogue. The proposed referendum, he cautioned, would sow discord instead of cementing national unity and would be a waste of money.

See any signs that Hamas is close to agreement in those quotes? No? How about here?

He predicted the blockade will disintegrate from within because it was unfair and corrupt and its only aim was to break the will of the Palestinian people. The current government, he added, was doing its utmost to ensure all employees receive are paid. Russia had succeeded in transferring $10 million through the presidency and more Arab money could be on it way. “We do not differentiate between the presidency and the government,” he said.

And here’s the quote that puts paid to the ridiculous notion that Hamas is ready to accept the existence of Israel in any way, shape, or form:

The Hamas official attacked Israel for wanting the Palestinian people to acknowledge Israel’s right to occupy their land and accept to live as second-class citizens under a so-called autonomous rule with limited authority.

And the biggest laugh-line:

The Palestinian official urged the international community to deal with the Islamic movement because it reflects the moderate vision of Islamic ideology and was flexible enough to deal with the Arab and western worlds in a pragmatic manner.

Hamas has already cracked down on music, dancing, and is talking about adding more sharia law to the terrortories[sic]. This “moderate” version of Islam states in its charter:

The day that enemies usurp part of Moslem land, Jihad becomes the individual duty of every Moslem. In face of the Jews’ usurpation of Palestine, it is compulsory that the banner of Jihad be raised.

It also says:

“There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavors.”

Tell me again how Hamas is going to moderate, accept Israel’s existence, lay down its arms and have peace (with moderate Islamic law governing the terrortories). Because, well, they won’t. Anyone who believes otherwise is fooling himself.

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