Hamas rally in Bethlehem
Photo: AP
Israel seeks Brit clarifications on Hamas
Officials concerned about reports of possible reassessment of London’s policy vis-a-vis terror group
TEL AVIV – Israel is seeking clarifications from Britain over reports that London is planning to renew its contacts with the Hamas in light of the terror group’s impressive showing in recent Palestinian municipal elections.
Terror Groups
By Roee Nahmias
Senior Hamas and Hizbullah members receive letters from American and British governments, report two United Arab Emirates’ newspapers
Senior British officials have confirmed that London is rethinking its approach vis-a-vis Hamas representatives expected to be elected in the upcoming elections.
However, in a conversation with Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, his British counterpart Jack Straw vowed not to modify London’s attitude to the terror group.
Meanwhile, a senior official in London said Britain would not engage in talks with groups that are involved in terrorism and do not accept Israel’s existence.
‘No dialogue with Israel’
Foreign Minister Deputy Director Gideon Meir said any contacts with the Hamas are certain to be counterproductive.
“Any contact between a foreign government with the Hamas…would only assist the organization in continuing terror attacks in order to bring about the destruction of the State of Israel,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman in Gaza Mushir al-Masri said group representatives recently met with senior British and American officials.
“We received an invitation from the United States and Britain to maintain a dialogue,” he said. “We are ready. We’ll maintain a dialogue with any element in the world, with the exception of Israel.”
Hamas sources also said American and British officials understand that talking to the organization is akin to dialogue with representatives of the Palestinian people and not a terror group.
