By KUNA,
Gaza : Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Ereikat said the Israeli admission to behind-the-scenes direct talks with Hamas in Gaza Strip is a grave issue, and such development would make Israel think talks with the Palestine Liberation Organization are needless.
In remarks to the Voice of Palestine on Tuesday, he said “Once Israeli heard Hamas saying they were willing to a long term truce should Israel withdraw to temporary borders, it sensed there was probably no more need to engage in talks with the PLO, which negotiates over Al-Quds, the borders, and a whole set of issues.” The negotiator stressed “Israel is not running a charity; it is using the Palestinian divide to its benefit, blasting Arab as well as Palestinian interests.” “It is time the Palestinians unite to counter the threat and this would mean Hamas going back on its coup of Gaza and restoration of legitimacy,” he said.
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister, Haiem Ramon, yesterday revealed that Israel was conducting direct talks with Hamas, contrary to government statements such step would only be taken once Hamas complied with the conditions set by the Middle East Peace Quartet.
Hamas is yet to comment on this revelation, while a delegation representing it is currently in Cairo to receive the Israeli reply regarding the Gaza truce, to be communicated through Egyptian parties.
Meanwhile, Ereikat also stressed anew “Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ options remain open,” should efforts fail to reach a peace agreement this year that leads to establishing an independent Palestinian state.
He said Abbas is not a man who clings to a post, and was elected to achieve a goal and shall accordingly strive to achieve it. Noting Abbas is keen on serving his people, the chief negotiator said he founds talk and reports of Abbas’ intention to resign cause for wonder.