The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said Israel’s suspension of peace talks was fully justified in light of the so-called “unity” agreement between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
‘’With its embrace of Hamas, a terrorist organization which unabashedly continues to call for the destruction of the State of Israel, Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority apparently have once again turned their back on peace and reconciliation,’’ said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.
He recalled that the international community has set three criteria which Hamas must meet prior to any international engagement: recognize Israel’s right to exist, renounce the use of violence and terrorism, and accept previously negotiated Israeli-Palestinian agreements.
‘’Hamas has met none of these requirements, and there is no indication that it intends to do so,’’ he said
‘’The Palestinian Authority has intentionally torpedoed all efforts to extend the talks, and their move at reconciling with Hamas so late in the game is a slap in the face to Secretary of State John Kerry’s tireless efforts during the past nine months,’’ Foxman said.
‘’Israel has made clear that it was prepared to extend the peace negotiations and make difficult decisions in pursuit of an agreement,’’ he added.