The Deputy Chief of the Hamas Political Bureau says that Hamas will never recognize Israel. But if any British officials are reading this, don’t worry! I’m sure that if you send Hamas enough money, their hearts will melt with gratitude, and they will become putty in your hands!
From the Muslim Brotherhood’s website, Ikhwanweb, with thanks to all who sent this in:
Ikhwanweb: Some media reports have circulated that the Norwegian government is welcoming a visit by Hamas delegate. Do you consider this decision the beginning of European openness toward Hamas government?
Abu Marzouk: We are reassured that the current policy by European governments towards the Palestinian government will eventually change, because simply it is wrong and irrational. It is unreasonable to punish the Palestinian people for their democratic choice. We should not forget the EU always played a major rule in the Palestinian Issue, so it is not uncommon for them to fulfill their human responsibilities toward Palestinian people. Meanwhile, we value and appreciate the Russian government’s role as well as the new Italian PM position. Therefore, the welcoming by the government of Norway is an indication that the siege on the Palestinian people began to fall apart.
Ikhwanweb: There are statements attributed to Mr. Khaled Mesha”al indicating that Hamas will recognize Israel if it withdraws to the 1967 borders. Your comments
Abu Marzouk: One of Hamas founding principals is that it does not recognize Israel. We ran in elections and the people voted for us based on this platform. Therefore, the question to recognize Israel is definitely not on the table unless if it withdraws from ALL Palestinian lands, not only to 1967 borders. How can we be expected to recognize an occupying entity when there are millions of our people refugees and thousands others prisoners! Why must we recognize them when they do not recognize us as a sovereign state with full independence.
Ikhwanweb: Is there any pressure from Arab countries, specially Egypt, exerted on Hamas to recognize Israel?
Abu Marzouk: They have not frankly asked us to do so. However, they asked us to recognize the Arab peace initiatives, which include the recognition of Israel. We, at Hamas, rejected these impractical initiatives and even Israel itself did the same. Hamas sees the goal behind such pressures is to lower the upper limit of the Palestinian demands to the most possible minimum level.