Hamas PM: We will never give up our arms, territory, or claims on Jerusalem

[Little Tich]

Source: Haaretz / AP

Ismail Haniyeh, on a visit to Tunisia, promises difficult days ahead for Israel and says Hamas will continue to fight.

Hamas prime minister in Gaza said Sunday that the militant group will never give up its arms, its territory or its claims on Jerusalem on behalf of the Palestinians.

Ismail Haniyeh spoke to a cheering crowd of 5,000 in the Tunisian capital Sunday.

He predicted difficult days ahead for Israel, which is grappling with how to respond to the Arab Spring, a series of popular uprisings that began in Tunisia a year ago.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-pm-we-will-never-give-up-our-arms-territory-or-claims-on-jerusalem-1.406196

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. Yeah, but are they willing to recognize Israel as legitimate?

They just want "peace", I reckon.

[Little Tich]

2. I think that Hamas will never formally recognize Israel,

for it would be tantamount to renouncing their core element of Palestinian rights to all of historical Palestine. However, I see the reconciliation with Fatah as being inevitable, and with it comes a set of parameters that would force Hamas to cooperate with Israel as a recognized entity. They want to be seen as a resistance movement, in fact they are resisting all sorts of sensible proposals right now, but they have started this outreach campaign, and must moderate their image to reap any benefits.

[Ruby the Liberal]

3. I have no problem with resistance movements (or their lines in the sand)

but Hamas is legitimately elected and is seeking legitimacy through a Fatah/PLO 'merger'.

At some point, they need to decide who they are - are they in charge and to be seen as leaders and partners for peace, or are they going to be 'the resistance' to time immemorial?

Kinda like Meshaal, IMO. "Leaders in exile" only really works when you are the part/government OUT of power. Once you win the election, it is time to start refocusing on things like infrastructure, sanitation and traffic lights - not hiding out in neighboring nations and waving the "all Israel should die" flag.

Hamas has a LONG way to go to attain this, and while I applaud their baby steps, I highly doubt anyone is taking them seriously from a diplomatic perspective.

[Little Tich]

4. The Arab world has probably less problems accepting Hamas than the West.

Hamas has shown an interesting side in Syria, where they facilitated access for the observers from the Arab League. And Haniyeh seems to be welcomed everywhere he goes with open arms.

I think a Hamas that is backed up by popular support and governments in the Middle East, would be impossible to ignore as a legitimate player. I hope Hamas never gets that much support, and it's unlikely to happen. Most of the enthusiasm is in support of the ideals of the Arab Spring, not Palestinian Islamists.

[Jefferson23]

5. Hamas PM: No ceding ground in struggle with Israel

Hamas’ prime minister in Gaza says the anti-Israeli militant group will never give up its arms, its territory or its claims on Jerusalem on behalf of the Palestinians.

Ismail Haniyeh spoke to a cheering crowd of 5,000 in the Tunisian capital Sunday.

He predicted difficult days ahead for Israel, which is grappling with how to respond to the Arab Spring, a series of popular uprisings that began in Tunisia a year ago.

The rally, held at a sports stadium, was organized by the Islamist Ennahda party, which recently won Tunisian elections.

At one entrance, people walked over a piece of cloth sporting the Star of David, and many shouted anti-Israeli slogans.

But not heard was “Kill the Jews!’’ a slogan used by ultraconservatives three days earlier upon Haniyeh’s arrival.

http://articles.boston.com/2012-01-08/news/30604922_1_hamas-ismail-haniyeh-gaza