European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has expressed support for a new Palestinian unity government which adheres to Quartet requirements, fueling Israeli concerns over ‘back door’ international recognition of Hamas.
It was announced last week that the Fatah faction led by Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas, the Islamist group ruling in Gaza, will form a unity government, prompting Israel to suspend peace talks with the Palestinian Authority.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since then made it clear that there will be no negotiations with a government backed by Hamas, unless it repudiates violence and embraces peace. Hamas remains committed to Israel’s destruction.
Hamas is classified as a terror organization by the United States and also by the EU, Canada, Japan, Australia and Egypt. The EU said it will not engage with the group until it accepts the international community’s three conditions.
Despite reports from time to time that some representatives of European countries have met in various capacities with Hamas officials, these conditions have for the most part kept the EU from dealing with Hamas since it won PA elections in 2006.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ashton said : ‘’The EU has consistently supported intra-Palestinian reconciliation but on clear and certain terms. The EU reiterated that such reconciliation should take place behind President Abbas in line with the principles set out in his speech of 4 May 2011. The EU expects any new government to uphold the principle of non-violence, to remain committed to achieving a two-state solution and to a negotiated peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, accepting previous agreements and obligations, including Israel’s legitimate right to exist.’.
She added : "I am extremely concerned at recent developments related to the peace process, which are putting into question the continued negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians beyond the original deadline of 29 April 2014.’’
‘’I reiterate the EU's full support to the US-brokered peace efforts and I call on both parties to remain focused on negotiations and on the unprecedented benefits which peace can bring. Negotiations are the best way forward. The extensive efforts deployed in recent months must not go to waste,’’ Ashton said, calling on all sides’’ to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any action which may further undermine peace efforts and the viability of a two-state solution.’’
Israeli leaders are reportedly concerned that the international community may demand recognition of Israel from the new Palestinian government but not Hamas itself, constituting ‘back door’ recognition of Hamas.
President Abbas has indicated that he will form a government of non-political technocrats which recognises Israel.
The New York Times quoted an Israeli official who said Israel has a “specific commitment from the American administration” backing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to talk to a Hamas-backed government.
US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki last week said, “It’s hard to see how Israel can be expected to negotiate with a government that does not believe in its right to exist.”
The EU, along with the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and Egypt, has classified Hamas a terrorist organization and said it will not engage with the group until it accepts the international community’s three conditions.
Despite reports from time to time that some representatives of European countries have met in various capacities with Hamas officials, these conditions have for the most part kept the EU from dealing with Hamas since it won PA elections in 2006.
Israel’s Housing Minister Uri Ariel slammed European Union Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton Sunday for supporting the Hamas-Fatah unity deal.
“On the eve of Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Memorial Day, she spit in the face of those who fight against terror around the world," he accused. "European support for the deal will encourage Hamas terror, and will ensure that Europe loses it moral authority as a party that can help solve the conflict.