AIPAC backs Senate letter calling for PA to retake control of Gaza

[Jefferson23]

Pro-Israel lobby's support signals sharp change from before the latest round of violence in Gaza.

By JTA | Sep. 11, 2014 | 6:38 AM

JTA — A bipartisan Senate letter backing U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority toward returning it to power in the Gaza Strip has the backing of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Sens. Robert Casey (D-PA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), both considered close to AIPAC, initiated the letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry now circulating among senators for signatories and an official of the lobby on Wednesday confirmed to JTA that AIPAC supports the letter.

The letter and AIPAC’s backing for it signal a sharp change from before the latest Israel-Hamas war in Gaza over the summer, when AIPAC backed congressional measures that would have penalized the Palestinian Authority in the wake of its agreement to work with Hamas toward elections.

snip* Notably, while the letter says that Hamas “has no interest in peace with Israel,” it does not call for the dismantling of the new government backed by Hamas and the P.A., something Israel and the pro-Israel community had repeatedly called for before the war.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.615242

[King_David]

1. Good call

[broiles]

2. So much for democracy.

[King_David]

3. What democracy ?

When was there an election?
There was a coup but no election since.

[broiles]

5. The Gazans elected Hamas in a well monitored election.

[FBaggins]

7. And then Hamas killed their opposition and called off any further elections

How many years have to go by before that's no longer a democracy in your eyes?

[King_David]

9. LOL

Yes many years ago and nothing since ,
Was a one man one vote one time terrorist government for life type thing .

[Jefferson23]

4. Hamas opens door to direct negotiations with Israel

Senior official, Moussa Abu Marzouk, says the group's policy has been not to negotiate directly with Israel, but it's 'not something that is forbidden according to Sharia law.'

By Jack Khoury and The Associated Press | Sep. 11, 2014 | 6:47 PM

The Hamas policy of not negotiating directly with Israel is "not Sharia law" and could be relaxed, a senior official of the organization said on Thursday.

"Just as it's possible to negotiate while fighting, it's possible to negotiate by talking," said Moussa Abu Marzouk in an interview with Al Quds TV.

"Up to now, our policy has been not to negotiate directly with Israel, but … we're not talking about something that is forbidden according to Sharia law."

Abu Marzouk gave no indication that Hamas had immediate plans to negotiate with Israel. Rather, he insisted that the reason for the change in policy reflected growing tensions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whom Hamas believes is trying to reclaim control of Gaza.

"Hamas finds itself compelled to make this move when the natural rights of the people in Gaza come under pressure from the Palestinian Authority and the government," he said.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.615390

[Mosby]

6. Which Hamas?

The political wing or the military wing?

[Jefferson23]

8. This man? He is deputy chairman of the Hamas political bureau.n/t

[King_David]

10. Oh please , half the people posting here say it

Was a "different " Hamas that murdrted the 3 Jewish teens.

Which Hamas indeed .

LOL

[Mosby]

11. It's silly isn't it?

Like there are really two Hamas's. What a hustle.

[King_David]

12. Exactly right