|
Trending Topics
|
A Part of Hamas Negotiates, and Another May Fight Again
(New York Times) David D. Kirkpatrick - Israel is coming to the negotiating table demanding that Hamas surrender its weapons completely - what Israel calls the "demilitarization" of Hamas' stronghold, Gaza. Without disarmament, Israel says, it will not ease its blockade of the territory. Egypt, the broker of the talks, has now joined Israel in pushing to cripple the militant group. But Mousa Abu Marzook, a senior Hamas political leader, said Hamas would keep its military wing distinct - and allow it to prepare for another war with Israel. He insisted that the Hamas fighters would remain outside the new unity government's control. But if Hamas succeeds in keeping its Qassam Brigades independent and viable, that would appear to portend new clashes with Israel.