Once again, the Jimmy Carters of the world are going to be proven idiots. As Carter and the Obama administration insist that Hamas can be a viable peace partner, the “peace partner” makes liars of them.
Hamas’ senior political leader Khaled Mashaal said on Thursday that his organization is willing to cooperate with any international effort to end the occupation but would never accept the notion of a demilitarized Palestinian state.
“The Palestinian people reject the Israeli position on a demilitarized state, on the refugees, on Jerusalem, and on the Jewish state,” the exiled Mashaal said in Damascus, referring to Israel’s demand any future Palestinian state recognize it as a Jewish nation.
So, what part of “no” don’t you understand? Because he elaborates even more:
“A demilitarized state is a pathetic state, not a serious national entity. The Palestinians will not accept Jerusalem as a unified city under Jewish control,” said Mashaal, adding that the Palestinians were dedicated to returning the refugees to their homes. Recognizing Israel as a Jewish state “would erase the right of return to lands taken in 1948.”
Meantime, the race to include Hamas as a serious negotiating partner continues. And the idiocy of Jimmy Carter? Well, that’s in plain view for all to see:
I have urged Hamas leaders to accept these conditions, and they have made statements and taken actions that suggest they are ready to join the peace process and move toward the creation of an independent and just Palestinian state.
Khaled Mashaal has assured me that Hamas will accept a final status agreement negotiated by the Palestinian Authority and Israel if the Palestinian people approve it in a referendum. Hamas has offered a reciprocal ceasefire with Israel throughout the West Bank and Gaza. Unfortunately, neither the Israeli leaders nor Hamas accept the terms of the Oslo Agreement of 1993, but the Arab Peace Initiative is being considered now by all sides.
Sure. One more time, Khaled:
“The Palestinian people reject the Israeli position on a demilitarized state, on the refugees, on Jerusalem, and on the Jewish state,” the exiled Mashaal said in Damascus.
Yeah, there’s a negotiating partner, right there.