Israeli Vice Premier says his government is negotiating with Hamas

Tuesday May 20, 2008 11:26 by IMEMC Staff - IMEMC News

Israeli Vice-Premier Haim Ramon criticized Ehud Olmert's government for negotiating with Hamas movement despite an Israeli government decision against negotiating with the Palestinian movement.

the Israeli Kennesset - file 2007

On Monday, Ramon told the Israeli Kennesset that Olmert and his cabent are negotiating with Hamas without the latter agreeing on the three conditions set by the Quartet committee and Israel.

When Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections of 2006, Israel and the Quartet members, including USA, Russia, the UK, and the EU, stated that Hamas most renounce violence, commit to all past signed agreements with Israel, and recognize the Israeli state.

Hamas refused these conditions, but said it would agree when Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian lands and the Palestinian population.

This week, Hamas and Israeli officials met separately with Egyptian officials to discuss a possible truce between Hamas, which constitutes the largest resistance faction in Gaza, and Israel.

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