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Israeli elected officials this week released statements that the agreement announced between Fatah and Hamas brings an end to negotiating efforts to reach a peace agreement with the PA (Palestinian Authority). The PA, which is aligned with Fatah, signed an agreement with Hamas, which runs Gaza.

Following the announcement agreement by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, Israel’s Security Cabinet convened to discuss the ramifications of the agreement. Following is the statement released by the Security Cabinet after the meeting.

“The Cabinet today (Thursday, 24 Nissan 5774), unanimously decided that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by Hamas, a terrorist organization that calls for Israel’s destruction.

“In addition, Israel will respond to unilateral Palestinian action with a series of measures”.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added:

“Instead of choosing peace, Abu Mazen formed an alliance with a murderous terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel.

“Abu Mazen has formed an alliance with an organization whose covenant calls for Muslims to fight and kill Jews. Hamas has fired more than 10,000 missiles and rockets at Israeli territory and has not halted terrorist actions against Israel even for a minute.

“The agreement between Abu Mazen and Hamas was signed even as Israel is making efforts to advance the negotiations with the Palestinians. It is the direct continuation of the Palestinians’ refusal to advance the negotiations. Only last month Abu Mazen rejected the framework principles proposed by the United States. Abu Mazen has refused to even discuss recognizing Israel as the national state of the Jewish People. He violated existing agreements by unilaterally applying to accede to international treaties and then formed an alliance with Hamas.

“Whoever chooses the terrorism of Hamas does not want peace.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)