By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Israeli Foreign Minister TzipiLivni on Wednesday defended Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, saying the operations targeting Hamas in the enclave didn’t hinder the peace process.
Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem, Livni stressed that Israel will have no problem facing the international community’s judgment, since “the limitations we’ve placed on ourselves are based on our moral values.”
Referring to Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip, Livni stated: “Hamas’ success is not only ours and Abbas’ problem. It sends a message to all the extremists in our neighboring states that radical ideologies can be enforced via democratic means.” Livni warned of the adverse impact a possible Hamas-Fatahr approchement would have on future relations between Israel and Palestinian Authority.
“If the Palestinian national movement gives in to the other group (Hamas), this will have consequences on our ability to move forward in the political process,” the foreign minister added. Fatah and Hamas agreed in Yemen this week to revive direct talks after months of hostilities.
The foreign minister also said that she expected the Palestinian representatives to continue negotiating with Israel despite the operations in Gaza.
It was reported recently that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak would consider a series of goodwill gestures for the Palestinians ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Israel on March 29, aiming at easing restrictions in the West Bank.